Kaala might get a release in Karnataka after all. Noted Kannada producer Kanakapura Srinivas has reportedly come forward to distribute the movie in 130 theatres. The film’s previous distributor, Goldie Films, had refused to screen the film fearing backlash from pro-Kannada outfits who wanted to ban the Rajinikanth-starrer.
Interestingly, Sa Ra Govindu, President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce said that he had not heard of such a proposal. “We are in talks with the SIFCC for the release of the film. But for that, we have a few conditions for Rajinikanth. First, he must issue an unconditional apology. Second, he should say that he does not want a Cauvery Water Management Board; and should instead support a meeting between the State Governments and the affected farmers.”
The trouble for the film began when Rajinikanth said that the newly formed Karnataka government should fully implement the Supreme Court’s instructions on water sharing. This request drew the ire of pro-Kannada organisations who immediately demanded the ban on Rajinikanth’s Kaala.
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The film’s producer, Dhanush, had moved the Karnataka HC regarding the ban. The bench, in its ruling yesterday, directed the State Police to provide protection to all theatres screening the film. However, it refused to instruct the government to ensure the release of the film.
Even Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy was of the opinion that it would be better to not release the movie in the State. “As head of the Karnataka government, it’s my responsibility to implement the judgment and directions of the High Court. But according to my observation as an individual, in this kind of atmosphere, it’s not good on part of the producer, distributor to release the movie,” he said.