'Kaala' will not face any issues in Karnataka: Rajinikanth

Exuding confidence that movie 'Kaala' would not face any problems in Karnataka, actor Rajinikanth expressed hope that Karnataka government would provide adequate protection to the theaters and the audience.

"I don't think Kaala will face any issues in Karnataka. Not just Tamil people in Karnataka, but people who speak other languages also wish to watch the movie. I believe Karnataka govt will provide adequate protection to the theaters and audience," reports quoted Rajinikanth as saying in Chennai yesterday (June 4).

'Kaala' is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 7 but Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had said the film would neither be distributed nor screened in the state.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) is upset with Rajinikanth's reported statement that whichever government comes to power in Karnataka should implement the Supreme Court order on Cauvery water sharing.

The ban on Rajinikanth's starring 'Kaala' in Karnataka has prompted a national film body to request the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce on Sunday to expedite its release in the state.

Actor Prakash Raj on Monday said that films should not become soft targets and put the onus on the government to rein in 'fringe elements'.

Meanwhile, 'Kaala' producer K Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to the state government and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for smooth release of the film.