Close to 200 cops deployed, anticipating protest by pro-Kannada activists against 'Kaala' film release in Bengaluru. (EPS | Pushkar V)
BENGALURU: Protesting pro-Kannada activists have reportedly not allowed Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Kaala’ to release anywhere in Karnataka, in spite of security being provided to the theatres and multiplexes.
Pro-Kannada activists, armed with the list of theatres which were screening the film, went to every theatre on the list and got the screening cancelled. At several places, they held discussions with theatre owners, who then agreed not to screen the film. Protestors also went to the film’s distributor Kanakapura Srinivas’ office in Bengaluru and tore the film’s posters. Most theatre owners have reportedly given in to the protestors’ demands and agreed not to screen the film.
Some activists, as well as members of Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) were taken into custody at Lido Mall. At Mantri Mall, after the screening was cancelled, most people who had come to watch the film left the mall.
Rajinikanth fans too were unhappy about the police’ inability to ensure screenings and some of them vented their ire at police personnel in Bengaluru. Two fans were arrested near Lido Mall by Halasuru Police. At Bengaluru’s Town Hall, about 200 police personnel have gathered, anticipating protests.
In Raichur’s Padmanabha theatre, a show scheduled for 12.30 pm was cancelled and people who had booked tickets were returned their money. Screenings were also stopped in Hassan, Davangere and Mysuru.
The protests have stemmed from pro-Kannada groups taking offence to Rajinikanth’s statements on the issue of sharing of Kaveri river’s waters. The Tamil actor commands a big following in Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, which has a sizable population of Tamilians.
