Screenings of the Tamil film ‘Janyayan’ have been stopped in several theatres across Karnataka, with exhibitors citing potential law and order issues. The development comes amid renewed tension between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Cauvery water dispute.
In Tamil Nadu, farmers and various organisations have launched protests demanding the release of Cauvery water. Against this backdrop, it was announced that Chief Minister Vijay would meet Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to hold talks on the issue.
However, D.K. Shivakumar reportedly requested that the visit be deferred, stating that the situation was not conducive at present. Meanwhile, Kannada pro-organisations have called for a statewide bandh on August 13, demanding that Cauvery water should not be released.
Theatre owners in Karnataka have responded by suspending ‘Janyayan’ shows, with cancellations reported in multiple locations without prior notice. At Bengaluru’s Urvashi theatre, the screening was temporarily halted following police advice, and posters and cut-outs were removed; a Kannada film, ‘Karavalli’, was screened instead.
In Mandya, members of Kannada pro-groups reportedly removed banners of the film. With shows cancelled and promotional material taken down, office-bearers of the Karnataka Film Chamber have called for an urgent meeting, which is expected to be held soon.
