Upendra's flick upsets religious sentiment

It's just been a few days since Uppi's latest offering, Katari Veera Surasundarangi, has been cleared of plagiarism and the film has hit the screens, but the movie is mired in another controversy. This time around, a couple of pontiffs, and political and religious outfits have taken offence to some of the scenes in the flick, which they claim have portrayed Hindu gods in bad taste.

Protests held across the state

Following this, a few political and religious groups staged protests in Mangalore, Udupi and Chickmaglur outside various theatres and even burnt posters of the film. The group has appealed to the Censor Board and the Film Chamber to not approve films that offend religious sensibilities. Three theatres in Mangalore and Udupi were forced to stop the screening of the film and some of these outfits are reported to hold state-wide protests today.

Public can decide themselves

An irked Rockline Venkatesh, the distributor of the film, says the public isn't foolish enough to accept a film that has objectionable content. "Every movie is approved by the authorities keeping in mind the rules and regulations. Only then are these films released for public viewing. If certain groups still find some scenes offensive, we're willing to hear them out," he says. He adds that he will hold a meeting with Chamber officials along with the film's producer, Muniratna, and invite various groups to be part of the discussion. "We want to create a healthy atmosphere and hold a debate where everyone can share their views. They can point out where we have gone wrong," says Rockline. While the filmmakers are willing to sort out the matter peacefully, Rockline is upset with the way the groups have caused inconvenience to the public and are barring them from watching the movie.

'Not worried about profits'

Meanwhile Muniratna, Rockline and the Film Chamber president KV Chandrashekar have gone to Mangalore to meet with the various groups and resolve the issue. "I'm not someone who is worried about profits because making a 3D film in Kannada is not a viable option. I've made it only because I wanted our people to enjoy such a film. We will discuss the portions that have offended certain sections of society and contemplate further action," says Muniratna.

WhenTOI contacted the film's hero, Upendra, he refused to comment on the issue. "I don't know what's happening, so I don't want to talk about it," is all he says.

'There's nothing offensive about it'

While allegations have been made that the Censor Board is being liberal in its approval of Katari Veera..., regional officer K Nagraj says they didn't find anything objectionable in the film. "A five-member committee watched the 3D and 2D versions. Cinema is about freedom of expression and as long as it is within reasonable limits, we do not recommend cuts. Katari Veera... is a part comedy film and everything has been conveyed in a humorous way in accordance with the situation. Viewers will not be offended by the film's content."

Previous controversy

The city civil court had earlier served a notice to Uppi and Muniratna, the producer of Katari Veera..., based on a plaint filed by a small-time actor named Niranjan Shetty, who allegedly accused the duo of using his story for the film. An injunction had come into effect, stopping post-production of the film.