Rajinikanth seeks support for Kuselan

Ahead of the release of his film Kuselan on August 1, actor Rajnikanth has sought the cooperation of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to ensure its smooth release.

Some pro-Kannada groups had raised objections to the film over his stand on the controversial Hogenakkal project.

In a letter to the Chamber in Kannada, Rajnikanth said he was pained to know that what he had said during the Hogenakkal debate had "hurt some people".

Pro-Kannada groups, including the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, had opposed the release of the film alleging that his statement favouring implementation of the project had hurt the people of Karnataka.

They have vowed to block the release of Kuselan in Karnataka, saying the Tamil superstar should apologise for his "anti-Kannadiga" statements.

Former legislators Vatal Nagaraj and Prabhakara Reddy have termed the superstar's letter as a publicity stunt and have asked Rajnikanth to come out with a public apology.

"We will not allow the release of the film in Karnataka, come what may," said Nagaraj, who addressed reporters along with many leaders of pro-Kannada organisations including a faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.

Some Kannada organisations had been demanding that Kuselan be released in the state only after a seven-week moratorium as Rajnikanth had allegedly hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. (With Agency inputs)