Row over Kaala screening: Pro-Kannada forums call for bandh in Bengaluru

Kaala is being opposed by several pro-Kannada organisations who are irked with Rajanikanth’s recent comments on the Cauvery water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Rajini in 'Kaala'.
Rajini in 'Kaala'.

BENGALURU: The screening of Rajnikanth-starrer Kaala was disrupted for the second day on Friday as members of pro-Kannada organizations continued their protest against the movie and managed to stop the screening in several theatres. However, they were taken into preventive custody for the second day in a row and during this time, some theatres managed to screen a few shows of Kaala which has led to protesters now calling for a Bengaluru bandh. The exact day on which the bandh will be observed will be decided at a meeting on Saturday.

Kaala is being opposed by several pro-Kannada organisations who are irked with Rajanikanth’s recent comments on the Cauvery water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Those who are protesting and calling for a ban on the film include members of Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV), Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha (KCVP) and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). The KRV on Friday held a meeting to decide on bandh, which may be called on Monday or Tuesday.

KRV state president Praveen Shetty told The New Indian Express that protesters were taken into preventive custody on Friday outside theatres at Kamakshipalya, Magadi Road and Majestic where single theatres were screening the film.

“We have decided to call for a Bengaluru bandh on Monday or Tuesday to send out a strong message to the government. On Saturday, we will meet with members of all organizations who support our demands and finalize the date for bandh,” Shetty said. Bandh calls given by the KRV in the past have been partially effective with one of them over the Mahadayi water this year seeing a lukewarm response in Bengaluru. 

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The New Indian Express
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