No ‘Kaala’ in Karnataka Over Cauvery Comment? Rajinikanth Responds

Rajinikanth urged the South Indian Film Chamber to interfere and take necessary steps to ensure the film’s release.

Rajinikanth’s much-awaited Kaala will not release in Karnataka following his comment on the Cauvery issue, reports ANI. “No film distributors are ready to release Rajinikanth's Kaala in Karnataka,” Sara Govindu, President of Karnataka Films Chamber of Commerce told ANI.

Commenting on the ban, Rajinikanth urged the South Indian Film Chamber and Karnataka Film Chamber to interfere and take necessary steps to ensure the film's release.

The Secretary of KFCC Umesh Banakar said that distributors and exhibitors were not willing to release the film in their state. “The distributor of the film, Goldie Films and around 25 to 30 exhibitors had met the President of the film chamber today (Tuesday) and submitted statements that they do not want to screen Kaala as Rajinikant’s statements regarding the Cauvery water sharing issue had hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas,” Banakar told The News Minute. A source also told The News Minute that exhibitors worry that if they allow the release, activists may pelt stones at the theatres.

The comment in question dates to 8 April, when Rajinikanth urged his followers and fans to refrain from watching IPL matches, in an attempt to draw attention towards the state’s battle over the Cauvery Management Board. Addressing people outside his residence in Poes Garden, Rajinikanth said that it would be an “embarrassment to enjoy the IPL at such a crucial time”.

Also asking the team owners and players to support the state’s cause for the larger benefit of the farmers, Rajinikanth said:

Our team should (CSK) should try to wear black bands during the game to send the message across the country, and the team owners should also support is what I feel.

“Poor farmers are suffering because of this; everyone should support them. The Center will be responsible for the anger of the people of Tamil Nadu if the board is not formed, as ordered by the Supreme Court,” he had then said.

(With inputs from The News Minute and ANI)

(This story has been updated)