'Banning' mantra of Kannada filmdom - continued uncertainty

The unresolved crisis of seven week delay on screening non-Kannada films in Karnataka has become a never ending story. Meetings happening everyday among various sectors are reaching nowhere but banning each other! Unfortunate thing is the conflicting interests, baseless statements and announcements of some of the groups that are resulting in unsought disputes. Last week, the exhibitors association in Hubli had unanimously announced that there would be no new Kannada film release in Karnataka till the crisis resolves. In contrast, there were two new Kannada films 'Yahoo' and 'Prana' were released this Friday. Also the new English movies released were Kill Bill II, Man of Fire, and Out of Time.

Producer, director Rajendra Singh Babu

In yet another development, condemning the statements made by Rajendra Singh Babu about the exhibitors, the Film Theater Owners' Association has decided to ban all his films for five years! Isn't it the height of stupidity?

Current development in Karnataka is alarming the showbiz industry of neighboring states. In Andra Pradesh, any film that has the involvement of Kannada producers are facing problem. 'Prem Nagar' - the Telugu version of Kannada film 'Love' produced and directed by Rajendra Singh Babu is one such film. Added to the list are Indrajith Lankesh's Monalisa (Telugu) and AK-47 (Hindi remake of Kannada AK-47) starring Auditya. AK-47 is expected to release on September 17th as per their advertisements. If the non-Kannada film screening woes continues, AK-47 can't be released here!

Opportunists are taking advantage of the situation on the grounds of safeguarding Kannada in Karnataka. 'Kannada Rakshana Vedike' - one of the associations joining hands with Producers Association for the seven-week moratorium of non-Kannada films is now trying to stop publications writing film reviews for four weeks! Reviews impact the box-office collection is what they say. But looks like they are not aware of the fact that many films are thrown out of the theaters much before that! This association is no way concerned with film industry but they are poking nose in the area beyond their domain!

Ashok

However, its going to be a major meeting tomorrow (Sunday) in Bangalore which will witness leaders from all sectors of film world (producers, distributors, exhibitors etc). Hope they will draw a firm line keeping everyone's interest in mind. 'If it fails, we will have a massive protest like 'Gokal Chaluvali' to agitate non-supportive activists' says the producers association. "This meeting is going to be fruitful. This protest is absolutely right but the way its been put forward is not right" says senior actor Ashok, the honorary president of artists' association while talking with us yesterday. Apparently, the government appointed panel on films headed by K.P. Pandey will be meeting on Monday to resolve the uncertainty.