KFCC to hold meeting over Kaala on Tuesday

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has convened a meeting with the distributor and exhibitors of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala on Tuesday, with pressure mounting from various Kannada organisations against release of the film. Kaala is slated for release on June 7.

Speaking to The Hindu, Sa.Ra. Govindu, president, KFCC, said that Kannada Okkuta, an umbrella organisation of Kannada groups, besides other individual groups, have submitted memorandums to ‘ask’ the distributor and exhibitors of Kaala to refrain from screening the film in Karnataka.

“Following representation by over 10 Kannada organisations, KFCC has invited Goldie Films, distributor of Kaala, and exhibitors for a meeting on Tuesday. We will table the appeal by Kannada organisations in the meeting and seek their response,” explained Umesh Banakar, vice-president, KFCC.

Saurav, head of Goldie Films, said, “We are holding talks with KFCC to give final approval on release of the film. A clear picture will emerge on the release by Thursday.”

The star cast of the film is led by Rajinikanth. The Tamil star, who has forayed into politics recently, had in April urged the Centre to form the Cauvery Water Management Board (CWMB) at a protest organised by Nadigar Sangam. If the Centre does not do so, it may face the wrath of entire Tamil Nadu, he had cautioned.

Kannada organisations are opposing the release of Kaala because of this demand by the actor, which is being opposed by Karnataka.

This is not the first time that the actor is facing the anger of Kannada groups. In 2008, he was targeted over his comment on the Cauvery issue. His comment at a protest organised by Nadigar Sangam in 2008 on the Hogenakkal issue had led to protests. At that time, Kannada organisations had resolved to disrupt the release of his film Kuselan in Karnataka. However, they called off the plan after the actor expressed regret over his remarks.

Likewise, actor Satyaraj’s comment on Cauvery had haunted the release of Bahubali-The Conclusion last April. However, the film was released after Mr. Satyaraj tendered an apology.

According to sources in KFCC, Kannada organisations are divided over the issue. “While some organisations are demanding an unconditional apology by Rajinikanth, others are claiming that they would not allow the release even if he tenders an apology. The situation in 2008 was different. At that time, he was not a politician. He was just an actor. Now, he has forayed into politics, and his demands and statements matter a lot,” said a senior functionary of KFCC.