Despite director SS Rajamouli's video appeal on Facebook to all Kannadigas to allow his upcoming film, Baahubali - The Conclusion to be released, Kannada groups remain determined in their demand.
Protests have been ongoing against the film's release in Karnataka, after pro-Kannada groups had taken exception to comments allegedly made by actor Sathyaraj in relation to the Cauvery issue some years ago.
According to these groups, Sathyaraj had allegedly referred to Kannadigas as dogs. However, it is not known exactly when and where this comment was allegedly made. However, despite Rajamouli's apology, the groups are not satisfied, and say that they want Sathyaraj to apologise.
Vatal Nagaraj, who has been leading the protests, said, "Why should Rajamouli apologise for something he didn't do? Our problem is not with Rajamouli or the movie. How many times should we make it clear. Our problem is with Sathyaraj only. He has to apologise. We will not budge.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President Preveen Kumar Shetty said, "There is no question of Rajamouli apologising. He has never spoken anything ill about Kannadigas. Why are they not understanding our problem? We want Sathyaraj and only Sathyaraj to apologise. No, an apology from Rajamouli will not do. Sathyaraj should apologise and repent for the way he spoke about Kannadigas.
Speaking in Kannada, Rajamouli said in the video appeal that the film or its makers did not have any connection with the statements that Sathyaraj had made. “His comments, made some years ago, have pained many of you. But we do not have any kind of connection with those comments. They are only Sathyaraj’s personal, individual opinion,” Rajamouli said.
He added that the comments were from a long time before. And the makers were not even aware of them till the issue arose.
He also added that the ban on the film did not affect Sathyaraj personally, but affected a vast number of others who had invested and worked on the film.