Protest against 'Baahubali 2' release in Karnataka called off after Sathyaraj’s apology

New Delhi: Vatal Nagaraj, from the organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, on Saturday called off the protest against the release of upcoming Indian film 'Baahubali 2' in Karnataka. At the same time, he also said that usage of derogatory terms against Kannadigas must not be done.

"Ensure you don't use derogatory terms against Kannadigas. If you do, your future movies will be banned in Karnataka," he warned actor Sathyaraj.

A protest by Pro Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike was held on Thursday in the city against Sathyaraj for his comments made years ago on Kannadigas and Cauvery River.

The protesters marched to the Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce and gave a written request to the Film Chamber President asking him to call a meeting of all stakeholders and instructing them not to release 'Baahubali: The Conclusion' on April 28.

This made Sathyaraj step forward and issue a public apology.

While expressing his views via a WhatsApp video, the star, who expressed his anuish over the Cauvery water issue nine years back, said on Friday that he does not want anyone from his upcoming movie 'Baahubali 2' to bear the losses.

He noted,"Nevertheless, in the coming days be it Tamil people, Cauvery issue, farmers issue or any other issue, I would continue to voice my support against these issues."

"And if anyone thinks that my statement caused any harm to the producers and directors, then I would request them not to cast this small, meager actor in their films. I don't want anyone to suffer any kind of loss because I would prefer to live and die as a Tamilian rather an actor," the 62-year-old stated.

Requesting the people of Karnataka to ensure the release of 'Baahubali 2,' the actor added, "I am not against Kannada people, one of the prime example is that in these nine years, many of my films including 'Baahuballi' was also released in Karantaka without any problems."

'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' is directed by SS Rajamouli and is the continuation of 'Baahubali: The Beginning.'

The movie, which also stars Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah, is scheduled to hit the theatres on April 28. 

(With ANI inputs)