Petition in HC against proposed ban on 'Kaala'

The controversy surrounding the release of Kaala has now reached the high court. Tamil star Dhanush K, son-in-law of Rajinikanth, and Aishwarya, Rajinikanth's daughter, have filed a petition seeking directions to the state government and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to not restrict the release of the film in the state. Dhanush is also the producer of the film.

The petitioners state that 'Kaala' has been issued a certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, by the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) after following the due process and adhering to all the guidelines. After being issued this certificate, it is the fundamental right of the petitioner under Article 19(1) of the Constitution to exhibit the film.

The only restriction that can be imposed on a filmmaker is the requirement of certification from the CBFC and having received this certification, the petitioner's right to exhibit the film cannot be interfered with by the respondents.

The petitioners have further stated that they have spent Rs 140 crore on making the film and expect a gross revenue of to Rs 15-20 crore from the screenings in Karnataka.

The petition states that, on May 30, Sa Ra Govindu, president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, issued a press statement saying: "A decision has been taken that Rajinikanth's movie will neither be distributed nor screened anywhere in Karnataka." The petition further states that the said decision of the chamber was taken following Rajinikanth's alleged views on the Cauvery water dispute calling for compliance with the Supreme Court's direction.

The petition also stated that the chamber and several pro-Kannada organisations made representations to the chief minister requesting for a ban on the film in the state.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing on Tuesday.