KFCC says no, Rajini fans pray, plead for Kaala release on June 7

Bengaluru: Fans of Tamil superstar Rajanikanth will be disappointed as his much-awaited movie, Kaala, may not be released across the state on June 7, when the film is scheduled to hit the screens worldwide.

Various Kannada organisations and activists have called for a ban on the movie, saying Rajini had recently made controversial remarks over sharing of Cauvery water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The activists have also demanded that no Rajini movie should be released in the state ever.

But the fans are praying and hoping that there could be a small chance of the movie being released in the state on June 7.

Narasimhalu, a secretary of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), told Deccan Chronicle that the movie’s release is doubtful as of now and nothing can be confirmed. “Kannada activists and organisations have opposed its release. Theatre owners have told us that they will not release the movie as it could lead to trouble and cause damage to their theatres.”

Another KFCC member said that chamber’s senior members have decided not to allow the release of the movie. “The issue is still being discussed. Reportedly, no one has bought rights to distribute the movie in the state either,” he said.

Members of the Karnataka Rajinikanth Fans Association have written a letter to the KFCC seeking the CM’s intervention and pleading for the release of the movie.

A copy of the letter, which is with Deccan Chronicle, states that there are lakhs of fans in the state and everyone wants to watch the movie. “We have requested the KFCC and CM to intervene and help in getting the movie released,” it said. Rajani Santosh, state president, Karnataka Rajinikanth Fans Association, said, “It is a request that politics and movies should not be merged. They are two different platforms. Let us all appreciate the actor for his talent. He just commented about forming a board which could help both states and save everyone from the water crisis.”