Usually when a film by Superstar Rajinikanth nears release, it means festivities for his fans across all the Southern states.
But a dark cloud looms over the release of his latest, Kaala, after pro-Kannada activists were upset by the actor’s comments. The usually quiet superstar went ahead and spoke his mind, that parties should work towards releasing Cauvery waters.
Rajinikanth’s foray into politics seems to have affected Kaala – which is surprisingly low on buzz compared to Kabali (2016). He urged his ‘Kannada brothers’ to not ‘disrupt’ screenings and ‘not trouble’ cinegoers. The Karnataka HC has declared the release should go ahead, even directing that security should be ensured at the screenings. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy’s statement disappointed Rajini fans, when he said makers must conccede to the opposition from Kannada organisations and postpone the release of the film.
Produced at a budget of a reported 140 crore, Kaala stands to lose a reported 15-20 crore, if the ban sticks. With less than 24 hours to go for the film’s pan-India release, it remains to be seen if exhibitors screen the film in Karnataka, at all.
