Kaala Ban in Karnataka

Superstar Rajinikanth’s much awaited film Kaala is set to hit the screens worldwide tomorrow (June 7). The film has landed in a series of controversies in Karnataka following a ban imposed on the film.  On May 29, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce decided not to screen Kaala after several pro-Kannada outfits demanded a ban on the film, citing Rajinikanth’s comments on the sharing of Cauvery water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Also several pro-Kannada outfits have threatened violence if the film was released in the state.

Kaala Producers Move Court

The makers have Kaala, Dhanush and Aishwarya Dhanush had filed a petition in Karnataka High Court to allow the screening of the film in the state and also to provide security to exhibitors and theatres screening Kaala.

Karnataka High Court's Verdict on Kaala ban

The Karnataka High Court has refused to intervene on the ban placed on Rajinikanth’s Kaala but instead has asked them to provide a list of theatres to the State. The High Court asked the state government to provide security to theatres that want to screen Tamil superstar Rajinikanth's Kaala in Tamil and other versions from Thursday. While the court can’t ask the exhibitors to screen the film, but if the screens want to run the film, the state has to provide security, the court pointed out.

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy says not the right time to release Kaala

Chief Minister Kumaraswamy requested the film’s producers not to release the movie in this situation. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said he would comply with the court's order but suggested "as an individual" that the timing wasn't right for the film's release.

"As head of the Karnataka government, it's my responsibility to implement the judgements and directions of the High Court. But according to my observation as an individual, in this kind of atmosphere, it's not good on part of the producer, distributor to release the movie", said Mr Kumaraswamy

Rajinikanth’s appeal to CM HD Kumarasamy and Kannadigas to release Kaala

Rajinikanth himself has now appealed to the people of Karnataka since there’s no clarity regarding the film’s release there.

Addressing the media earlier today, Rajinikanth said, “I asked the Karnataka government to implement the Supreme Court’s order on the Cauvery issue. I don’t know what’s wrong in it. Now, several Kannada organisations are protesting against ‘Kaala’ release. What’s more surprising is that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce is also asking me to withdraw my statements on Cauvery. The Film Chambers is supposed to ensure that there's no problem for distributors.” 

He also said that if the movie is released around the world except in Karnataka, and the Cauvery issue would be highlighted as the reason, which is not good for the state. He also requested chief minister HD Kumaraswamy to intervene and solve the issue amicably. He said, “I understand HD Kumaraswamy's situation. I hope he will provide the necessary security arrangements for the film’s release as directed by High Court”. Rajnikanth spoke in Kannada and appealed to his Kannada brothers to help release the movie and to let people watch it.

Listen to Rajinkanth's speech here: