While the politics in Tamil Nadu continues to heat up, Rajinikanth has another battle on his hand with the release of Kaala in Karnataka.
The makers of the film, actor Dhanush and his wife, Aishwarya, of Wunderbar Films have petitioned the Karnataka high court to ensure that the film is smoothly released on 7 June. The Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) had banned the film after Rajinikanth's comments on the controversial Cauvery water dispute.
In the plea, the makers have cited that it is the fundamental right of the petitioners to exihibit the film, after it receives the certification from the Central Board of Film Certificaiton (CBFC).
News website Firstpost.in quoted the petition: "CBFC has issued a certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, for the release of Kaala after following due process and adhering to all guidelines. After receiving such a certificate, it is the fundamental right of the petitioner under Article 19(1) of the Constitution to exhibit the film."
In their statement, the makers have also asked for security for exihibitors and distributors associated with the film, as well as for theatre-goers in Karnataka.
KFCC president SR Govindu had made a statement last week saying, "As many as 10 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."
The petition is likely to come up for hearing in the Karnataka high court later in the day today (5 June).
The film starring Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Samuthirakani and Anjali Patil is set to be released in Chennai on 7 June. The film will be released simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.