Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' will not release in Karnataka. Here's why

It has been just a few hours since the trailer of Rajinikanth's next 'Kaala' has released on the internet. And Rajinikanth's film's trailer has already gained 2.5 million views (and counting) on Youtube. While fans across the country wait with baited breath for the film's release on June 7th, Rajinikanth's film will notrelease in Karnataka.

The Karnataka distributor of the Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Kaala’ has stated that he won’t ‘voluntarily’ distribute the film in the state due to the superstar's statements on the ongoing Cauvery water distribution.

Rajinikanth had reportedly asked the new Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy to release to Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery water as mandated by the Supreme Court.

Now, owing to protests from several Kannada groups over the ban on the film's release, the Karnataka film chamber held a meeting to decide whether the film should get a release in the state or not. The meeting that was held on Tuesday, has decided to not release the film in the state.

According to media reports, Sa Ra Govindu, President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has confirmed that the film will not release in Karnataka. Govindu stated that the decision was taken in the interest of the state.

In a statement, Govindu said, "Kannadigas are upset with Rajinikanth's comments on the Cauvery issue and so his film will not be released in Karnataka. As many as ten letters from various pro-Kannada groups have reached the Film Chamber, demanding a ban on Kaala in Karnataka. Considering the sentiments of Kannadigas, there is pressure on us to not release the film."