Prakash Raj bats for release of Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' in Karnataka

Prakash Raj slammed pro-Kannada groups for calling for a ban on Rajinikanth's new film Kaala. The actor took to Twitter to express his discontentment over the film's ban in the state. Kaala is scheduled to release in theaters this week.

“There is a deep bond between man and a river. So when we talk of Cauvery we do extremely emotional about it. This is true of people from both states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where emotions run high when we try to find a solution to share water. But getting emotional does not solve an issue we need to be practical about it too, ” the actor said in a statement posted on his Twitter account.

“The two respective state governments, the Centre along with specialists who understand the issue of our farmers, water sharing and nature, should sit together and find a solution. Due to political reasons and unseen pressures if they fail to do so, our fight should be towards making them accountable and answerable and not become victims of our own emotions, ” he added.
Sharing Rajinikanth's remark on the Cauvery issue, Prakash Raj stated that the banning of Rajini's film was not the right way to express anger.

“A statement made by actor Rajinikanth has hurt us deeply. Yes, I agree. In order to express our dissent, a few organisations have called for a ban on the film. Is that what we Kannadigas want? We don’t know and we will never know. If the film is released and people decide not to see it as a mark of their protest only then will be able to gauge what people really want. But these fringe elements deciding on behalf of the people will not let us know it. Who are these people to decide what most Kannadigas want or don’t want?” asked the 53-year-old actor.

The actor felt it was incorrect to deprive thousands of Rajini fans in the state of Karnataka a chance to watch their star on the big screen.

“What about the producer’s investment, one who has nothing to do with the statement of this actor? What about the talent and effort of hundreds of technicians, co-artistes and workers who have been employed and associated with the film? What will be the plight of those who make a living out of sticking film posters, running cycle stands, those who run canteens in theatres? What about the distributors, investors and theatre owners and the thousands of those whose lives depend on them? And what about the lakhs and lakhs of cinema lovers because of whom, all these people earn a living? What about the price that a common man has to pay for this strife and chaos? It has led to burn vehicles, damaged property, children unable to attend school, the list never ends. What about the harmony between people which will be disturbed and destroyed by such incidents inciting hatred among one another in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu?” he rued.

Slamming protesting organisations, he appealed to the Kumaraswamy led government to not ban the film. The state government is yet to announce its decision on 'Kaala' release.

Prakash acknowledged that by supporting the release of 'Kaala' he was at the risk of being called anti-Kannadiga. “My #justasking will open avenues for debates, and I will not be surprised if a few end up calling me anti-Kannadiga. We have seen in the recent past that people have called me anti-Hindu and an anti-national as well, because I expressed my opinion. However, that does not stop me from saying what I have to say and rest I leave to your conscience.”

Prakash reportedly even met the members of the Kannada Film Chambers of Commerce to convince them to withdraw their protest against the release of 'Kaala'.