The plans of chauvinist establishments to delay/ block Kuselan’s release in Karnataka have been thwarted by the courteous and cooperative KFCC (Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce). Against the wishes of several organizations, KFCC has permitted Niranjan, the film’s distributor in Karnataka, to go ahead with its release on August 1, 2008. Earlier, a ban on Kuselan was called for by local organizations as the film stars Rajinikanth, who participated in a protest held by Tamil film fraternity against Karnataka government over the Hogenekkal water project issue. These establishments alleged that Rajni had made statements that hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.
But Kannada film actress Jayamala and chief of KFCC, said that the issue has nothing to do with a film like Kuselan, which involves Rajinikanth and K. Balachander, both of whom have contributed to Kannada cinema. Besides, Niranjan, who holds the distribution rights of Kuselan in Karnataka, is an active member of KFCC. She said that they cannot mete out such harsh treatment to one belonging to their fraternity. Besides, the film celebrates 75 years of South Indian Cinema and recognizes the contribution of Karnataka to South Indian cinema; apparently, late Kannada actor Rajkumar will be shown in a song in Kuselan.
Niranjan, distributor of Kuselan in Karnataka, said Kuselan is a film by stalwarts who contributed to Kannada cinema. Rajinikanth has acted in many Kannada films and was born in Karnataka. K. Balachander has produced and directed many Kannada films; P. Vasu has directed films of legends like Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan. They are an integral part of Kannada cinema and have contributed to its growth immensely. He stated that Rajinikanth had ensured that Rajkumar, legendary actor of Karnataka, got his share of respect in a song praising South Indian cinema.
He voiced his hope that fans of Kannada cinema will realize this and lend their support to this film and also thanked KFCC for their support.
Niranjan has been advised by KFCC to release Kuselan with only 10 prints and in 13 theatres in Bangalore.
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