‘Baahubali 2’ will not release in Karnataka after Katappa’s controversial speech

Director SS Rajamouli’s upcoming epic film, “Baahubali: The Conclusion”, may be the most-awaited film of the year but it doesn’t make it immune to problems.

According to reports, over 2000 pro-Kannada groups led by Vatal Nagaraj are threatening the release of Baahubali 2 following actor Sathyaraj’s controversial speech during the Cauvery row. For the same, the group has demanded Sathyaraj to apologise to Kannadigas before the release of the film.

Speaking about the issue, Vatal Nagaraj was quoted by Bangalore Mirror as saying, “We will not allow any theatre in Karnataka to screen Bahubali. We are not against the film, but against Sathyaraj who plays the character of Katappa in Bahubali.”

“This man’s remarks crossed all decency limits. He spoke nonsense about Karnataka and Kannadigas. We too staged protests against Tamil Nadu, but not against the people.” he added.

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Interestingly, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce also seems to support Vatal. While speaking to Deccan Herald, Sa Ra Govindu, President of the body said, “Till now neither the actor nor the producers have approached the Chamber to discuss the issue. Unless the actor apologises, the screening will not take place in Karnataka. He has insulted Kannadigas.”

According to reports, Vatal has also planned to stage a protest on April 28 against the release of the film in Bengaluru and also stated that the release will not be allowed statewide. Also, currently no distributor has come forward to get the theatrical rights of the film in Karnataka. The multiple reasons cited in the industry is the issue of Sathyaraj’s alleged derogatory comments, the successful running of Puneeth Rajkumar’s Rajakumaara, and the Rs 200 cap for movie tickets.

The activist had also protested against superstar Rajinikanth during the release of Kabali in January for his pro-Tamil stance in the Cauvery row. Subsequently, he was taken into preventive custody by the police along with a group of pro-Kannada activists on the opening day of Kabali.

So will this situation change if Sathyaraj apologises? We will have to wait and see.

Baahubali: The Conclusion, starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah and Anushka Shetty, is scheduled to release on April 28.