CM Kumaraswamy Jumps Into Kaala Controversy, Backs Protesters Demanding Ban On Film In Karnataka

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth starrer Kaala’s release in Karnataka now seems to be difficult with the state’s new Chief Minister (CM) HD Kumaraswamy backing those protesting the release of the film, slated for 7 June.

While speaking to the media, Kumaraswamy said that the movie will cause tensions given the sensitive nature of the Cauvery dispute, Mint has reported. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are mired in Cauvery river water sharing dispute with the issue having spanned across decades.

On Tuesday (5 June), the Karnataka CM said that as he is a Kannadiga, and is not in favour of the movie being released. He has also warned the distributors that the release will not be financially viable.

Rajinikanth’s son-in-law K Dhanush has filed a petition before the Karnataka High Court stating that it is a distributor’s fundamental right to release a movie and that statutory control over such moves is inappropriate. Pro-Kannada organisations have been staging agitations against the film’s release on the grounds that the Cauvery dispute is still alive and unsettled.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court steered clear of the controversy, and asked Dhanush’s lawyers to hand over a list of theatres screening the film so that appropriate security arrangements can be made.