‘Kuch Bhi’ fame Prakash Raj has eventually done something sensible. He lambasted actor-politician Kamal Haasan for not discussing the matter of Rajinikanth-starrer film ‘Kaala’ with Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy. On Monday, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (People’s Centre for Justice) party, Kamal Haasan met Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy to discuss about Cauvery river water distribution issue but then he faced strong criticism for not bringing up the issue of Rajinikanth’s film not being allowed to release in the state. The Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) has banned the movie because they are upset with Rajinikanth comments on Cauvery water distribution issue. Last Month, Rajnikant has reportedly said, ‘whoever comes to power in Karnataka, should release Cauvery water‘. This comment didn’t go well with the Karnataka film fraternity and it banned the release of ‘Kaala’ in the state. President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Sa Ra 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”.
Kamal Hasan who is considered as the political opponent of Rajinikanth, after meeting with Karnataka CM, tweeted, “Your warm hospitality and openness in discussing the Cauvery issue & various other issues concerning our two states is fully reciprocated sir. I assure you I will do my best in being a trustworthy bridge between Karnataka & Tamil Nadu. Thank you for a heartwarming meeting”.
Your warm hospitality and openness in discussing the Cauvery issue & various other issues concerning our two states is fully reciprocated sir. I assure you I will do my best in being a trustworthy bridge between Karnataka & Tamilnadu. Thank you for a heartwarming meeting. https://t.co/0CEH6C0lZ0
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 4, 2018
The Central government on the orders of the Supreme Court has already formed Cauvery water management authority to address the water issue and this move was welcomed by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. MNM party founder, Kamal Haasan’s silence on the issue of Rajinikanth’s movie in his meeting with Kumaraswamy didn’t go well with Prakash Raj, who broke his stoic silence after so many days. Hassan said, “I did not discuss movies. That’s for the film chambers in both states to sort out, water sharing is more important than movies”.
Prakash Raj exposed Kamal Hassan’s double standard, he said, “He has his own reasons to not raise the issue but he should also realise that when his film Vishwaroopam was banned, he wanted the entire world to stand by him. But I feel it is my responsibility and we cannot let this happen to any film”, as reported by News18. He further added, “Whoever is in power, be it the Congress, BJP or JD(S), it is their responsibility to ensure safety and freedom of expression. You can’t sit back and allow the fringe who are not even elected members to do as they please. Are they representing the people? If I don’t like a film, or want to lodge my protest, I will not watch it. But you can’t stop those who want to watch”. He also said, “Everyone has a right to protest. But there is always a way to do that. A few fringe elements want a ban on the film. But banning a film is illegal and it’s not an answer. What message are we trying to instill with this? Tamilians will hate the Kannadiga and vice-versa. Be it in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar or Gujarat, we cannot allow the fringe to take law into their hands. We as citizens have to put a stop to it”.
In his tweets, Prakash Raj played right of choice card as well
What’s film #kaala got to do with Kaveri issue..?why is film fraternity targeted always..? Will Jds/congress government let fringe elements take law into their hands …like bjp did with #Padmavat ..or ..will you step in to assure common man ..his right for choice.#justasking.. pic.twitter.com/GaHYTMkCTg
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) June 3, 2018
In his series of tweets, he asked several questions
Kaala ban..an ACTORS statement has HURT us. Yes.. we need to express it ..BUT HOW?? Is it by hurting people like US who are not responsible for it.. is it by breeding HATRED between two states ..How long will we let FRINGE elements to decide on how WE should protest ..#justasking
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) June 4, 2018
Let the film release .. let PEOPLE DECIDE if they want to express their protest by NOT watching the film .. let us get to know if PEOPLE really BELIEVE stopping a film can SOLVE ISSUES .. who are these organisations to BLACKMAIL everyone and decide on our behalf .. #justasking
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) June 4, 2018
He questioned the government’s incompetency in ensuring law and order
An elected GOVERNMENT can not shun its DUTY by saying we have not BANNED the film IT should ENSURE CITZENS RIGHT of CHOICE..and not SUCCUMB to fringe groups taking LAW into their hands and BAN a film. WHO IS GOVERNING HERE .the one we ELECT or the one who THREATENS..#JustAsking
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) June 4, 2018
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth in his thalaiva style said, “I was expecting more opposition but it is very low. Definitely, if the film has content, it will do well. People will definitely accept if there is good. If it is not good, they will leave it”.
