Bengaluru: With Tamil actor Sathyaraj apologizing to Kannada-speaking people, it seems the decks are clear for the release of Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion at hundreds of theatres across Karnataka State.
“I would like to apologise for the statement that I had made nine years back. I do not want consequences of my actions to affect the hard work of thousands of people. I have a duty to protect Kannada distributor who bought the distribution rights of Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion,’’ Sathyaraj said in a video release.
Kannada organisations have been protesting against Sathyaraj’s derogatory comments against Karnataka and Kannada people while addressing a protest meet in Chennai over Cauvery issue. “I am not against people of Karnataka. I got to know that what I had spoken during Cauvery water crisis nine years ago has created a lot of tension among the people of Karnataka,’’ Sathyaraj said in the video release.
Kannada organisations, led by Vatal Nagaraj, planned to stage demonstrations in front of theatres that screen Telugu film Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion.
They wanted Sathyaraj to come personally to Bengaluru and apologise to Vatal Nagarj and Kannada people.
Kannada organisations have organized protest rallies and burnt Sathyaraj’s effigies in Bengaluru. “It is a victory of Kannada organisations. We are meeting on Saturday to take a final call on this issue,’’ Sa Ra Govindu, president, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, the apex body of Kannada film industry.
On Thursday, S S Rajamouli, director of Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion, has appealed Kannada people not to stage protest in front of theatres when the film is released. “The film Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion has no connection with Sathyaraj’s comments that were made nine years ago. I appeal Kannada people to encourage Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion the way you accepted and appreciated the first part of Baahubali,’’ Rajamouli appealed in a video message.