Cauvery row: Super Star Rajnikanth's 'Kaala' released in Karnataka amidst widespread protest

Bengaluru: The much awaited Kaala starrer  'Kaala' was released in Karnataka on Thursday amidst  Statewide protest by pro-Kannada volunteers.

Pro-Kannada leaders including Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj, Kannada Rakshna Vedike (KRV) leader Praveen Shetty and several protesters were taken into custody by the police.

Acting on a petition filed by Mr Rajnikanth's daughter and Son-in-law, the High Court took strong exception to ban, allowed release of the movie and directed the State government to ensure proper security near the theaters and Malls where screening was made.

The trouble started following Mr Rajnikanth in Chennai, demanded that the Karnataka Government should release water from river Cauvery to Tamil Nadu as per direction by  the Supreme Court.The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Sa Ra Govindu, after a meeting with Distributors and Theater owners, had announced that henceforth release of Mr Rajnikanth and Mr Kamal Hasan will not be allowed.

In Bellari the film was screened with police protection despite protest  by activists outside the theaters.Following the protest, several Malls and Theatres have stopped the screening of the movie.Strongly protesting against the release of 'Kaala', Mr Vatal Nagaraj told newsmen that "we will not allow screening of the movie whenever it takes place.  When Mr Rajnikanth has spoken against the interests of people of Karnataka on release of water from river Cauvery."

In the IT hub the movie was screened in some theaters, but following the widespread protest by KRV activities, many theater owners have decided to suspend screening.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today declined to comment on protest.  The Chief Minister had earlier asked the distributers and Theatre owners not to release the movie  in view of the prevailing situation.Though tense situation is reported from various parts of the State in front of theaters and Malls, no untoward incident reported from any where, according to police.(UNI)