Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : South Indian cinema icon Kamal Haasan's highly anticipated upcoming film, "Thug Life," is encountering significant distribution challenges in the state of Karnataka. The roadblock stems from past comments made by Haasan concerning the sensitive Cauvery water dispute, a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Pro-Kannada organizations, along with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), have reportedly called for non-cooperation regarding the film's release in the state. They are demanding an apology from Kamal Haasan for his previous statements, which they perceive as being against Karnataka's interests in the water-sharing conflict. This isn't an official government ban, but rather a strong stance from influential industry bodies and activist groups who feel Haasan's remarks were detrimental.
In a swift and vocal response, Kamal Haasan's extensive fanbase has taken to social media to express their solidarity. The hashtag #IStandWithKamalHaasan has been trending prominently, with supporters arguing that art and artists should not be targeted over political or regional disputes. Many fans are urging for the film to be allowed a smooth release, emphasizing Haasan's contribution to cinema.
This situation is not unprecedented in the South Indian film industry. Previously, other Tamil film personalities, including Rajinikanth (for his film "Kaala") and Sathyaraj (during the release of "Baahubali 2"), faced similar calls for boycotts or apologies in Karnataka due to their stances or comments on the Cauvery issue.
"Thug Life," directed by the acclaimed Mani Ratnam and also starring Silambarasan TR and Trisha Krishnan, is a major project. The current standoff highlights the delicate intersection of cinema, regional sentiments, and persistent political sensitivities that can impact the film business in South India. The outcome of this call for non-cooperation and the fan support remains to be seen.
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