Rajnikanth starrer “Kaala” releases in Karnataka, High Court delivers verdict to protect the theaters

The superstar Rajnikanth starrer “Kaala” which was released worldwide on 7th of June 2018 is the first movie of Super Star Rajinikanth after announcing his plunge into politics.

The Karanataka Film Chamber of Commerce had announced a week before the release of the movie Kaala that it was not to be screened in the State of Karnataka based on the sentiments of certain pro-canned organisations. A further representation was also made by the Chamber and the said organisations to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, who was to consider their request.

Mr. M. S. Bharath, Senior partner of Anand and Anand represented Wunderbar Films Pvt. Ltd. of Mr. Dhanush and Ms. Aishwarya Rajinikanth, the producers of the movie “Kaala” starring super star Rajinikanth before the Karnataka High Court.

With only a few days left for the release, the producers had to ensure that the screens exhibiting the movie had adequate protection and that the State of Karnataka does not ban the release of the movie. A writ petition was filed before the Karnataka High Court on  4th of June, followed by hearing on 5th of June.

Based on submissions made by Sr. Counsel Mr. Dhyan Chinnappa and Mr. M. S. Bharath, the Hon’ble Court was pleased to direct the State Government to afford adequate police protection for the exhibition of the movie, observing that it was its duty to do so. The Hon’ble Court also recorded the State Government’s submission that the decision of the Supreme Court in the “Padmavat” case was binding on it.

The Supreme Court had held that the State had no powers to ban exhibition of the movie once the CBFC certification was granted.

The matter has received extensive media coverage:

Thanthi TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqtNNEYTnR8

Asianet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxB0z1phQCo

Bar and Bench: https://barandbench.com/hc-urges-state-ensure-peaceful-exhibition-kaala-amidst-fears-ban-karnataka/

First Post: https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kaala-karnataka-hc-allows-rajinikanths-film-to-release-says-state-must-provide-security-to-theatre-owners-4496815.html

Pre Order coverage on the writ petition filed

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kaala-release-karnataka-hc-orders-govt-provide-protection-theatres-82498

https://scroll.in/latest/881443/rajinikanth-moves-hc-against-ban-on-kaala-in-karnataka

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kaala-producer-moves-court/article24082359.ece

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ban-on-kaala-movie-producers-move-karnataka-high-court/articleshow/64452343.cms

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/rajinikanths-kaala-producers-move-karnataka-hc/article24085915.ece

Post Order Coverage

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-requests-distributor-not-to-release-rajinikanth-s-kaala-in-karnataka/story-p7Kif50w9ZGkKUphAYV1ZM.html

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/rajinikanth-appeals-for-smooth-release-in-karnataka-requests-to-not-disturb-fans-who-want-to-watch-kaala/articleshow/64481110.cms

https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/film-federation-seeks-steps-release-kaala-karnataka-673240.html