In what is seen as yet another victory for the upcoming film Kaala, the Supreme Court today (6 June) refused to stay its release. The film, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Rajinikanth, will hit the screens tomorrow (7 June).
A two-judge division bench of justices AK Goel and Ashok Bhushan cleared the film after dismissing a plea by KS Rajashekaran.
Rajashekharan, in his plea, had sought an injunction against Kaala's release claiming that the title and the story of the film were originally written by him. He further alleged that the producers of Kaala had used his work without seeking permission.
It may be recalled that Rajashekaran approached the Supreme Court after his plea in the Madras high court was posted for a hearing on 16 June.
The court observed that if the petitioner is the original owner of the content, he should approach the high court to claim the damages.
Meanwhile, the film will be released in Karnataka by producer and distributor Kanakapura Srinivas. Sources close to the distributor confirm that the film will be screened in 130 theatres across Karnataka, adding that police protection will be provided at all these theatres.
Sources also pointed out that Srinivas wields great clout in the state and has political connections for help.
Earlier today, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy had observed that the atmosphere in the state was not conducive for the film and requested the distributor not to release it.