Actor Prakash Raj on Monday appealed to Kannada organisations and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to leave the option of watching Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala to people instead of coming in the way of its release.
The actor said it was rational to allow the release in the interest of the producer, technicians, distributors, and several people, whose future hinged on the release.
Admitting that Mr. Rajinikanth’s statement hurt him too, he said: “There are ways to show discontentment over political statements. But not by stopping a film’s release. Why should an entire film industry suffer because of one statement by Mr. Rajinikanth.”
Noting that it was time to find a practical solution to an emotional issue such as the Cauvery, Mr. Prakash Raj said: “We have to protest against Mr. Rajinikanth by not watching the movie, but not by banning it.”
The actor said his opinion would provide a platform for a democratic debate on the right and wrong of stalling the release. “I will not be surprised if a few call me anti-Kannadiga. However, that does not stop me from saying what I have to and rest I leave to your conscience,” he said.
Vatal hits back
Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj sought to know where Mr. Prakash Raj was when Mr. Rajinikanth spoke against the interests of Karnataka and Kannadigas.
Accusing the actor of speaking for publicity, Mr. Vatal Nagaraj said he had a lot of respect for Mr. Prakash Raj as an actor, but he had no right to comment on the decision taken in the interest of Cauvery river. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike too objected to the actor’s comments.
Pratap Simha, MP, also slammed the actor for his remarks. He alleged that money was more important to Mr. Prakash Raj than the Cauvery.
Actor and leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam (NMM) Kamal Haasan, who was in Bengaluru on Monday, refused to comment on the issue. The actor, who met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to discuss the Cauvery issue, told mediapersons that his meeting was aimed at sorting out the row amicably keeping the interests of farmers in mind. He added that the Cauvery issue was far more important than films.