Mysuru/Bengaluru: Despite the High Court clearing the way for screening of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth starrer Kaala, the theatre owners in Mysuru have decided not to screen the movie today as pro-Kannada organisations are protesting against the screening following the actor’s recent remarks on  Cauvery issue that has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, M.R. Rajaram, Secretary of Mysuru City Film Exhibitors Association, said “For the time being, Kaala is not being screened in city. We will see the situation in Bengaluru and also the outcome of the meeting which is going on there. Then we will decide whether to screen the movie or not. The Police have extended their co-operation to provide adequate security to theatres willing to screen the movie as per the HC order, provided the theatre owners inform the Police in advance.”

Jeevan Kumar, Proprietor of Rajkamal Theatre in Shivarampet, told SOM, “I have not booked the movie. Why should I take risk and suffer loss if the movie is not allowed to screen. The distributor will also not refund my money. I have suffered losses earlier and hence I have not taken interest on Kaala.”

In Bengaluru: The first show on the first day of the release of Rajinikanth’s Kaala was cancelled in Bengaluru today morning after pro-Kannada activists staged a protest.

The 10.30 am shows scheduled at Mantri Mall in Malleshwaram and Orion Mall in Rajajinagar too were cancelled.

Though the Mall authorities had issued tickets, the activists requested them to stop the process. Fearing backlash, many single screens and multiplexes followed suit and cancelled shows leaving hundreds of Rajini fans disappointed.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President T.A. Narayana Gowda said that Rajinikanth as an actor has failed to understand the sensibilities of his fans in Karnataka. “Cauvery is also an emotional issue. Besides, Rajini is not just an actor anymore. His political statements have hurt Kannadigas,” he added.

Meanwhile, members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and Kannada Chaluvali Paksha chief Vatal Nagaraj were taken into custody at Orion Mall for staging protests.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President S.R. Govind said, “We will not allow the screening until Rajinikanth apologises for his statement. He is gaining political mileage out of this issue. We are not against the movie or Tamilians, we are against Rajini’s statement.”