Bengaluru: Vijay’s final film Jana Nayagan has landed in fresh controversy after Kannada activists tore down the film’s posters and demanded that screenings be stopped during protests over the ongoing Cauvery water dispute in Karnataka. The incident took place outside Gurushri Cinema in Mandya, where demonstrators staged a protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
The protest was linked to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directive asking Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu, a move that has triggered widespread protests across several districts in the state.
Posters torn, screenings halted
According to reports, members of pro-Kannada organisations gathered outside Gurushri Cinema in Mandya, where Jana Nayagan was being screened.
The protesters allegedly tore down promotional posters of the film, raised slogans and demanded that the theatre stop screening Vijay’s movie. Following discussions with the agitators, the theatre management agreed to cancel the scheduled shows.
Protest linked to Cauvery water dispute
The demonstration was not directed at the film itself but stemmed from the long-standing Cauvery river water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Kannada activists expressed strong opposition to the CWRC’s direction requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water every day for 15 days. Protesters argued that the state was already facing severe drought conditions and could not spare additional water.
Farmers cite drought and water scarcity
Farmer organisations participating in the agitation claimed that several parts of Karnataka were experiencing acute drinking water shortages and insufficient water for agriculture and livestock.
Protesters urged the Karnataka government to challenge the CWRC’s order and protect the interests of the state’s farmers before releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
State government plans legal challenge
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has already stated that the state government would appeal against the CWRC directive.
The government is preparing its legal response and is expected to seek relief through the appropriate legal forum while continuing discussions on the Cauvery issue.
Film becomes collateral damage
Although Jana Nayagan has no connection with the water dispute, Vijay’s dual identity as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister and the lead actor of the film made it a symbolic target during the protests.
Apart from tearing down posters, protesters demanded that theatres refrain from screening the film until the Cauvery issue was resolved.
Cauvery dispute resurfaces
The Cauvery river water-sharing issue has periodically sparked protests in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the years.
The latest round of demonstrations follows the CWRC’s recommendation to release water despite Karnataka’s claims of severe drought and declining reservoir levels.
Conclusion
The protest against Jana Nayagan highlights how the decades-old Cauvery water dispute continues to influence public sentiment in Karnataka. While the demonstrations were primarily aimed at opposing the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s film became an unintended focal point of the agitation, leading to torn posters and cancelled screenings in Mandya.