'Upendra film won't have controversial title'

Information Minister Santosh Lad said on Wednesday that producer of the latest Kannada movie starring Upendra has agreed not to go ahead with any title that will hurt any community.

Replying to the issue raised by S Suresh Kumar (BJP) in the Legislative Assembly, he said he spoke to the producer over the controversy surrounding the title of the movie. The producer has promised not to hurt anybody, he added.

Producer C R Manohar had initially titled the movie “Basavanna”. When leaders of the Veerashiva community opposed, it was decided to rename it as “Veera Basavanna,” which too met with opposition. KJP leader B S Yeddyurappa and BJP leader Govind Karjol had vehemently opposed the controversial titles on the floor of the House.

Later the movie was proposed to be titled “Brahmana”. Then, leaders of Brahmin community opposed the title saying that it will hurt the sentiments of the community.

BJP members, Suresh Kumar, Appachu Ranjan and Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri, too opposed the proposed title.

“The movie makers are playing with the sentiments of people only for commercial interest. It is unpardonable. The government should take appropriate action to stop such efforts,” Suresh Kumar stated.

The minister said the movie makers have not applied seeking new title before the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC).

Hence, the movie going with any controversial title does not arise, he added.