In a major twist to the brewing controversy over Bollywood actor Sunny Leone’s visit to Bengaluru, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike on Saturday clarified that their protest is only against Sunny Leone donning the role of Veeramadevi in the multi-lingual epic action film due for release in the first week of October.

Addressing reporters, KRV’s Yuva Sena state president Harish said that Sunny, given her previous role as a porn star can not don the role of Veeramadevi whose character is entwined in South India’s tradition. “Several prominent kingdoms like Hoysalas have ruled over the South India. We are taking forward the legacy of that historic era. Sunny Leone by acting in Veeramadevi role is trying to insult one of the greater characters of South India. It is not just about the show, but we are against Sunny Leone,” Harish explained.

Revealing that they will go all out to prevent Sunny Leone from entering the city, Harish said, “We have been in touch with several other activists across South India who have been protesting against Sunny’s role as Veeramadevi. She just should not act in that film. Her portrayal is an insult to the ancient warrior queen. We will soon be meeting the Chief Minister in this regard and seek government’s intervention.”

The activists clarified that they are not against the show scheduled for 3 November but only against presence of Sunny Leone. “Wherever she goes in South India, we will protest against her,” the association said.

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