Non-Kannada film protests led to further complications

After Karnataka State budget this year (reduction in entertainment tax for non-Kannada films), things in Kannada film industry are taking new turns and twists everyday. A week back when Kannada film producers and directors took a protest rally in the leadership of thespian Dr. Rajkumar along with some Kannada associations (that are not related to Kannada films), everyone anticipated it as a positive move to S. Ramesh

save Kannada films from other language films. But it led to further complications instead of resolving it. Today the situation has turned to worse from bad when a bunch of people attacked the Movie Land Theater, Pal Chandani's office and KFCC Office (Sandesh Nagaraj's office) by throwing stones and causing property damages. According to eyewitnesses, they were throwing papers on which "Kannada Kannada Banni Namma Sangada" slogan was written.

In this regard S. Ramesh, president of KFCC had called for a press meet this afternoon and requested people not to breach law. He also gave a message to industry related people not to allow outsiders to intrude and break the unity among three sectors of film industry. He also criticized the speech made by some leaders during the protest rally. In fact, that day itself some producers proved their unity by blaming actors who couldn't take part in the rally.

Ajay

In today's meeting many distributors and exhibitors took part. In reaction to today's attack, some exhibitors called off all shows and by tomorrow, they will decide till when they are not going to resume screening. One more meeting was called in the morning at Dr. Rajkumar's residence where Chief Minister Dharam Singh asked industry people to continue as is till Monday. Once the committee is formed to resolve all the problems decisions will be taken favoring all three sectors he added. Despite of CM's promises, exhibitors have decided to closedown the theaters. Where are we heading? Who are responsible? Nobody knows the answer… just wait and watch.