Karnataka HC refuses to intervene on ban Kaala

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday (June 5) refused to intervene in the ban imposed by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on the movie Kaala. The court asked the producers on the movie to provide the list of theaters where the movie is due to be released and observed that it their responsibility to provide security. 

This effectively means that the ban on the movie in Karnataka continues. A bare reading of the High Court order suggests that the matter be sorted out between the producers, theaters and KFCC. 'Kaala' is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 7 but Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had said the film would neither be distributed nor screened in the state. The KFCC was upset with Rajinikanth's reported statement that whichever government comes to power in Karnataka should implement the Supreme Court order on Cauvery water sharing.

The ban on Rajinikanth's starring 'Kaala' in Karnataka has prompted a national film body to request the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce on Sunday to expedite its release in the state. Actor Prakash Raj on Monday said that films should not become soft targets and put the onus on the government to rein in 'fringe elements'. Meanwhile, 'Kaala' producer K Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to the state government and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for smooth release of the film.