As Rajinikanth’s Pongal release Petta continues its impressive run at the box office, the Kannada version of the movie faces a setback. Petta released on January 10.
The original plan was to release the movie in Kannada. According to Jack Manju who’s distributing the movie in Karnataka, the actor has refused to dub in his own voice. “Rajinikanth felt that since he is getting older, he doesn’t want to be part of any controversies. He also felt that Kannadigas have a strong culture of bonding, and he doesn’t want to hurt or disturb any sentiments,” said Manju, as per a CE report. The producer said that he wouldn’t force the actor if he is not willing to dub.
Rajinikanth last acted in Kannada in 1981.
Until recently the Kannada film industry had been opposed to dubbing. It was only after the Competition Commission on India slapped fine that the rule ceased to exist. The producer had hoped to get the superstar to dub which was why they had planned a delayed release for the movie in the state. However, the actor, fearing a backlash, declined the offer.
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The issue will remain in limbo until a meeting that with the movie’s production house. This is scheduled to happen after the festive season. “A meeting has been arranged with the production house, which will take place after Sankranti. Only then we can take a decision. Personally, I don’t think there is any excitement without Rajinikanth’s voice featuring in the Kannada version,” said Manju.
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, the movie has been produced by Kalanithi Maran under the banner of Sun Pictures. The movie features Nawazzudin Siddiqqui and Vijay Sethupati as the antagonists while Simran and Trisha appear as female leads.
The movie also features Sasikumar, Megha Akash and Malavika Mohanan in supporting roles.