CM urges Rajkumar to drop stir plan

CM urges Rajkumar to drop stir plan

Exhibitors and the Kannada film industry have stuck to their respective stands on the moratorium issue.

Deccan Herald

Chief Minister N Dharam Singh on Tuesday appealed to thespian Rajkumar to drop the proposed stir on November 25, even as both warring factions — producers and exhibitors — toughened their stand on the issue of moratorium.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, Mr Singh said the government was “concerned” about the plight of the Kannada film industry and would make all efforts to resolve the problems being faced by the industry. “The government is prepared to hold talks on the issue to find an amicable solution to the crisis,” he added.

The chief minister said all sectors of the film industry should reach a consensus on the issue. Though the government had invited all sectors of the industry for talks not many were present, Mr Singh said, adding the government should not be made a party in the issue.

‘Sensitive issue’
He further said the issue was sensitive in nature and hence the government should be cautious as it may attract contempt of court. “It is a very sensitive issue, which should be dealt with carefully, without giving any room for contempt of court,” he added.

The exhibitors screening the new Hindi film Veer-Zaara, on the other hand, have decided to stick to their stand and continue screening the film in Bangalore, while the Kannada filmdom is gearing up for its proposed Rajkumar-led dharna and the industry bundh on Thursday. All six theatres owners who are presently screening Veer-Zaara, in contravention of the three-week moratorium, have resolved not to stop screening. “We have made up our mind to face any consequence and the film will not be stopped,” K V Dhananjay, who is coordinating the release of non-Kannada films, told Deccan Herald.

The producers led by Parvathamma Rajkumar, Mukhya Mantri Chandru and others held a meeting with the representatives of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Karunada Sene, Kannada writers and artistes. It was resolved that the proposed agitation should be on the lines of the Gokak movement and all issues related to Kannada language, culture and people will also be raised.

Protest
Members of the Karnataka Rakshanavedike staged a protest before the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), condemning its “inability” to stop exhibitors from defying the moratorium. The protesters were taken into preventive custody when the former tried to lock the KFCC office, as part of the protest.

The Karunada Sene has called off its protest against non-Kannada medium schools using English hoardings and bill boards in Bangalore in view of the proposed film industry stir. The Sene had plans to organise the protest on November 25.
Meanwhile, Akhila Karnataka Dr Rajkumar Abhimanigala Sangha has announced its support to the film industry stir.