Film chamber criticised for suspending Karnataka members

Bangalore, April 7 (IANS) Former president of South India Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC) and veteran film producer K.C.N. Chandrashekhar Monday criticised the suspension of all Karnataka members from the chamber for protesting Tamil Nadu's water project and termed the action "illegal".

The 180 members from the state were suspended last week during the height of agitation in Karnataka over Tamil Nadu's plans for a water supply project at Hogenakkal waterfall on the border of the two states.

Both Kannada and Tamil films stars staged daylong 'dharna' (sit-in) in Bangalore and Chennai, respectively opposing and supporting the project last week.

The protest by Kannada stars, directors, producers and technicians was organised by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking to IANS, Chandrashekhar said such decisions have to be taken by the executive committee of the SIFCC and ratified by the full general body of the organisation.

"The film industry in Karnataka or the film chamber of commerce is not responsible for the ban on screening of Tamil films in Karnataka. It was an emotional decision taken by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (a pro-Kannada group), which is fighting for the interests of Karnataka," Chandrashekhar said.

"We are also for protecting the interests of Karnataka, but we have no hand in the decision of few Kannadiga enthusiasts. This is the first time that such an illegal decision has been taken by SIFCC," he added.

Chandrashekar said before taking such a decision, the SIFCC should have taken note that Tamil films make around Rs.200 million in Karnataka annually and such hasty actions could further heighten tensions.