Chennai: With the release of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala hitting a roadblock in Karnataka, the Superstar made a fervent appeal in Kannada to Chief Minister H.D. Kumarasawmy and various investors to screen the movie.
The actor pleaded that security should be provided in theatres across the state which will be screening the film in Tamil and Hindi. Before leaving for Dehradun for the shooting of his upcoming film with Karthik Subbaraj, he told reporters at his Poes Garden residence, “I did not speak anything to hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. Kannada outfits can anytime meet me regarding the Kaala issue. I humbly request those who oppose the film to allow its release in Karnataka.”
Rajini reiterated that his statement on Cauvery was “not wrong” as he had just said what the Supreme Court had ordered. “I don’t know what’s wrong in just echoing what the court said. It is incorrect to stop the film for such flimsy reasons,” he said. The 67-year-old actor-turned-politician said he was surprised to note that the Karanataka Film Chamber is supporting the fringe groups. “The film chamber is supposed to ensure that there are no problem for distributors, producers and exhibitors. That being the case, the Karnataka film chamber demanding a ban on Kaala is not agreeable.”
He added, “I am not bent upon releasing Kaala in Karnataka. When the film is releasing around the world, the Karnataka ban would only highlight the issue (Cauvery dispute). Moreover, the High Court has given order to provide security to theatres where Kaala is being released. I understand Mr Kumaraswamy's situation. Still, I hope he would do the needful.”
