'Kuselan' release restricted in Karnataka

Rajinikanth's participation in the Hogenekal fast in April last has led to a political controversy over the screening of the superstar's new film "Kuselan" in Karnataka.

Many Kannadiga groups taking exception to Rajini's alleged anti-Kannadiga remarks at the venue of the fast had opposed the release of "Kuselan" in the State.

However, following the intervention of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and some other Kannada film industry personalities, Niranjan, the film's distributor in Karnataka, has been advised to release it with only 10 prints in 13 theatres in Bangalore on August 1.

Some Kannada organizations had demanded that "Kuselan" be released in the State only after a seven-week moratorium as Rajini hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas by supporting Tamil Nadu over the use of Cauvery waters for the Rs 13.3-billion.Hogenekal drinking water project benefiting two districts in Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) chief Jayamala told mediapersons in Bangalore on July 30 that Rajinikanth had written to the KFCC appealing for co-operation from the Kannadigas to ensure that "Kuselan" is released in Bangalore without any trouble. The superstar had written the letter by hand in Kannada. (The letter was released in Chennai also.)

In the letter, he said it caused him anguish when he learnt that certain remarks purported to have been made by him in his speech at Hogenekal had hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. "I don't like to hurt the feelings of anyone. Members of the public should not be inconvenienced or put to hardship because of me. This is my policy. My films are watched not only by Tamilians in Karnataka but also Kannadigas and people from other regions. I seek your 'co-operation' to ensure that they do not face any problem when they go to watch my new release "Kuselan", he pleaded.

Rajini's letter followed the burning of effigies in front of the KFCC last week in protest against the release of "Kuselan". The protest had been organized by the Kannada Rakshana Vedika which opposed the release of the film till Rajini apologized for his statements on the Hogenekal controversy.

According to reports from Bangalore, T.A. Narayana Gowda, State president of the Kannada Rakshana Vedika, commenting on Rajini's letter to KFCC, said, "We don't know what exactly the letter says. We have been asking for a proper apology from Rajinikanth. We are not willing to consider this letter as an apology. We are calling a meeting to decide what is to be done."

Perhaps, Rajini's letter may have influenced KFCC to permit the Karnataka distributor, Niranjan to release the film with ten prints and in 13 theatres in Bangalore.

Earlier this week, Jayamala reportedly said that the issue should not be linked to the release of "Kuselan" especially since producer K. Balachander is a respected film personality who has contributed to Kannada cinema as well. "One of our own members is releasing the film, then how can we stop the release. What we have advised is that he release the film following all the restrictions about prints and the number of theatres it can be shown in," she said.

While Pyramid Saimira has obtained the overall distribution rights of the film, Niranjan has obtained the Karnataka rights for over Rs 20 million.

"Kuselan" directed by P. Vasu, is a remake of the Malayalam hit "Katha Parayumbol". It is jointly produced by K. Balachander's Kavithalaya and Seven Arts.

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