'K'taka distributors voluntarily decided to not release Kaala'

In the backdrop of a ban imposed on Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' in Karnataka, actor Prakash Raj on Monday claimed that the decision to not release the film was taken by distributors and exhibitors here, and not the Karnataka Film Chamber.

"The Karnataka Film Chamber has given a statement that they have not asked for a ban. The distributors and exhibitors, seeing the pressure, have voluntarily decided to not create tension by releasing 'Kaala'. The onus is now on the state and central government," the 53-year-old told ANI.

Furthermore, Raj noted that although protests can be staged against the film, it's release cannot be stalled by anyone.

"When you keep a problem alive, naturally fringe elements will try to take the law into their hands. The government needs to tell them that law and order is our responsibility; you can protest but can't stop a film from releasing," he said.

Raj also noted that anyone who is against the actor should simply not watch the film.

"Everybody has a right to protest but I think you should let a film release and let the people decide. If people really have anything against the actor, they can stop watching the film. That is the way to say it. But we never get to know that at all. Very few people decide what the majority wants and that is not how it should be," he concluded.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth's upcoming gangster movie 'Kaala' may not hit theaters in Karnataka after the Confederation of Pro-Kannada Organisations pleaded so in the wake of superstar's demand to release Cauvery river water for Tamil Nadu.