HC tells Karnataka govt to give security for 'Kaala' release

The high court on Tuesday paved the way for the release of superstar Rajinikanth’s film ‘Kaala’ in Bengaluru and elsewhere in Karnataka.

In an interim order, Justice G Narendra directed the state government to avert problems in the film’s screening. The petition was filed by Tamil actor Dhanush K, the son-in-law of Rajinikanth, and Aishwarya, the superstar’s daughter. They had urged the court to direct the state government and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce not to restrict the film’s release. Dhanush is also the film’s producer.

The petitioners said they were compelled to move the court after the media reported Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy as saying: “It (the demand for banning ‘Kaala’) has come to my notice. The people of Karnataka and the KFCC do not want ‘Kaala’ to release here.

A few pro-Kannada organisations have also requested me not to allow the film’s release. I will consider their requests and take an appropriate decision.”

The call for banning the film came after Rajinikanth reportedly made some controversial remarks about the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The move turned off distributors who feared cinema halls would be attacked if the film is screened.

The counsel for the petitioners stated that as per Supreme Court rulings, state governments have no authority or power to ban the screening of a film once it is cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification.

Additional Advocate General A G Shivanna submitted that the government had not banned the film and if exhibitors requested for security for screening the movie, the state would discharge its duty of maintaining law and order.

Justice Narendra directed the petitioners to submit details of the places where the film is going to be screened and give the names of individuals or organisations likely to prevent the movie’s release.