Amid noise, pro-Kannada activists tries to strike balance over 'Kaala'

Activists and pro-Kannada organisations have come forward with balancing views on Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Kaala’ even as the row over the boycott of the movie reached the high court.

On Monday, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president Sa Ra Govindu sought to clarify once again that they have not banned the movie, but it was the decision of distributors and theatre owners not to screen it.

“We have pressure from the people and we put it before the distributors and theatre owners. They have made the decision,” he said.

However, activists, who have fought for the Kannada language, questioned the logic behind either banning or boycotting the movie.

They said the KFCC, by yielding to fringe groups, has allowed the manufacture of dissent.

“The Cauvery Management Board has been set up now according to the directions of the Supreme Court. This is a legal fight over the river water and it defies logic to ban a film,” said Ganesh Chetan, a software consultant, who is part of Kannada Grahakara Koota and Banavasi Balaga.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, which is usually at the forefront of such protests, is yet to make a stand on the issue.

“The protest against a movie may not help in fighting Karnataka’s case, but Cauvery is also an emotional issue and Rajinikanth is not just an actor anymore. We have called for a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) to take a decision,” said Narayana Gowda, president, KRV.

He noted that Rajinikanth was speaking as a politician to appease people in Tamil Nadu.

“As an actor, he should have been sensitive towards people of both states. His remarks have created this divide,” he said.

An activist, who protested against the imposition of Hindi language in Namma Metro said it was difficult for a group like the KRV to raise a voice that is not popular.

“Anyone who tries to be reasonable is dubbed as the enemy of Kannadiga or Karnataka. This is how dissent is manufactured,” he said.