20 April,2017 03:05 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
The upcoming South Indian magnum opus 'Baahubali 2', which is the sequel to the 2015 film, 'Baahubali' is being targeted by pro-Kannada organisations in Karnataka over negative comments made by cast member Sathyaraj
Sathyaraj in a still from the trailer of 'Baahubali 2'. Pic/YouTube
The upcoming South Indian magnum opus 'Baahubali 2', which is the sequel to the 2015 film, 'Baahubali' is being targeted by pro-Kannada organisations in Karnataka over negative comments made by cast member Sathyaraj.
According to Times of India, veteran South actor Sathyaraj, who has appeared in several Tamil and Telugu films, over the past three decades allegedly made derogatory comments on Kannada-speaking people and Karnataka leaders, nine years ago.
Also read: Finally! Kattappa 'reveals' why he killed Baahubali
Former MLA Vatal Nagaraj has called for a day long bandh on April 28, which coincides with the film's release, protesting the release of 'Baahubali 2'. Kannada organisations will march from Town Hall to Freedom Park on the day as a sign of protest.
Sathyaraj is reprising the character 'Kattappa' in 'Baahubali 2'. 'Baahubali 2' director SS Rajamouli finds this absurd, since the actor made these comments nearly a decade ago. He further stated that nearly 30 films starring Sathyaraj have been released in Karnataka ever since.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce is seeking to ban all Tamil films in Karnataka until Sathyaraj apologises for his comments.
Furthermore, several organisations have written to theatre owners across Karnataka, asking them to not screen 'Baahubali 2' because the makers opted to release the film directly instead of approaching local distributors.
It has been rumored that 'Baahubali 2' director SS Rajamouli has discussed this issue with actor and Kannada Cine Artistes Association head, Ambareesh.
Due to this row, a publicity meet organised for 'Baahubali 2' on Thursday had to be cancelled due to the unavailability of spokespersons.
MLA Vatal Nagaraj had seeked a ban on 'Baahubali 2' in Karnataka last week owing to actor Sathyaraj's controversial speech during the Cauvery row.
Vatal had earlier protested against superstar Rajinikanth during the release of "Kabali" in January for his pro-Tamil stance in the Cauvery row.
Subsequently, he was taken into preventive custody by the police along with a group of pro-Kannada activists on the opening day of "Kabali."
