Sathyaraj apologises to Kannadigas ahead of 'Baahubali 2' release

Recently there were reports that owing to the statement made by Sathyaraj on the Cauvery water issue, 'Baahubali 2' was to not release in Karnataka. Appealing to the people of Karnataka, director SS Rajamouli issued a video statement saying that Sathyaraj’s comments which he had maid nine years ago on the Cauvery water dispute had no connection with the movie or its crew.

In the video, Rajamouli said, "We understand that the comments he (Sathyaraj) made hurt the sentiments of many of our friends but we would like to say that it's his individual opinion and would request you to understand that the Baahubali producers and I do not reflect the same opinion."

And now following the director's appeal, Sathyaraj has issued an apology to the Kannadigas for his speech regarding the Cauvery issue. "I have got to know that what I had spoken during the Cauvery water crisis has created a lot of tension among the people of Karnataka. I am not against kanadigas or Karnataka. The biggest example for this is that for the last 35 years my assistant has been Shekar who is a kanadiga. I would like to apologise for the statement that I had made nine years back and would like to say that I am a small worker in Bahubali film and my comment should not affect the film. I appeal to Tamils to understand," said Sathyaraj.

Organisations like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Karnataka Film Chambers have maintained that they do not have an issue with Rajamouli's film, but with the actor Sathyaraj. In fact, apart from the opposition by the film chamber, pro-Kannada organisations also plan a state-wide bandh on April 28, the release day of 'Baahubali 2'.

Directed by SS Rajamouli, 'Baahubali 2' stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan in pivotal roles. The second instalment in the 'Baahubali' franchise, 'Baahubali 2' is slated to release on April 28.