Ever since an age-old video of Tamil actor Sathyaraj fuming against pro-Kannada activists, while supporting the Tamil stand on the Cauvery issue resurfaced, the love for Baahubali’s famous character Kattappa has gone sour in the state with several pro-Kannada activists threatening to stop the screening of Baahubali 2: The conclusion across the state.
With less than 20 days left for the sequel Baahubali set to hit the screens, the Conclusion film is facing tough times in Karnataka. The latest evidence was when activists staged a protest in Bengaluru and others parts of the state including Udupi when SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali was re-released recently as a build-up to the Conclusion releasing on April 28.
“The actor who plays the role of Kattappa has insulted Kannadigas with objectionable words during the protests over the Cauvery issue. We condemn him and we will not allow the film to be released, even if it is dubbed in Kannada,” said a Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activist.
However, the video showing Sathyaraj abusing Kannada activists with strong words is apparently at least eight-years-old when the entire Tamil Nadu film industry took to the roads protesting over the Cauvery River water dispute.
Another activist says that irrespective of whether the statement is old or recent, it shows the attitude towards Kannadigas, and they cannot stay silent, and will protest until the actor says he is sorry about his words with an unconditional apology.
A fraction of the Kannada Rakshana Vedike had staged a protest in front of the Inox Theatre in Udupi and Vatal Nagaraj including the KFCC president Sa Ra Govind protested the re-release of Baahubali in Bengaluru. Seems like the secret behind why Kattappa killed Baahubali will face many challenges before it is finally released in Karnataka.
