Superstar Rajinikanth’s film Kaala releases today sparking tension in the State of Karnataka. Pro Kannada groups are against the release of this film because of Rajinikanth’s comments about the Cauvery water issue.
Last month, the actor and politician stated no matter which government is formed in Karnataka the Cauvery water must be released to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery issue relates to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu disputing over the amount of water split between the two states. The Supreme Court ordered Karnataka gets a bigger half of the share.
This sparked agitation in Tamil Nadu and celebration in Karnataka. Rajinikanth stating the water should be divided equally angered pro Kannada groups.
The new Chief Minister of Karnataka H. D. Kumaraswamy said the film should not be released due to the present situation. The CM said it was his Government’s duty to ensure the smooth screening of the film. However, he advised distributors to delay the release until the Cauvery river dispute is solved.
Rajinikanth understood the CM’s decision to stop the film’s release and said, “I understand H. D. Kumaraswamy’s situation. This is not good for Karnataka. When the film is released around the world, the Karnataka ban would highlight the issue (Cauvery water dispute)…. The Film Chambers is supposed to ensure that there’s no problem for distributors. It is not right that the Karnataka Film Chamber demands Kaala.”
This issue was taken up by the Karnataka High Court who said the film must be released and the State Government should ensure smooth screening of the film.
