SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2 will be cleared to release in Karnataka on April 28, provided Sathyaraj (who plays Kattappa in the film) apologises to Kannadigas within eight days.
In 2008, the actor had made anti-Kannada comments at a rally supporting Tamil farmers, causing much outrage in the neighbouring state. Now, pro-Kannada activists like Vattal Nagaraj have asked for a ban on Baahubali: The Conclusion, in which Sathyaraj has a supporting role. The protesters have also called for a bandh on April 28, the day of the film’s release.
Thus far, Sathyaraj has been unavailable for comment.
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In the speech made nine years ago, Sathyaraj had said, “Tamils should not be like a tree which stands silently as any dog comes and urinates on it.”
Nagaraj told TV channel TV 9, “He compared Kannadigas to dogs. It is a blow to the pride of the Kannada people if we let this film release without an apology from Sathyaraj.”
Nagaraj said that the protest would be intensified until Sathyaraj apologies. Plans are on to burn an effigy of the actor later this week. Highways near Attibele will also be blocked in protest.
The actor plays Kattappa in the hugely popular Baahubali series.