Bengaluru: Screenings of Tamil actor and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay‘s film Jana Nayagan were halted across parts of Karnataka on Friday as tensions escalated over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. Several theatres cancelled shows as a precautionary measure following protests against the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directive asking Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, while pro-Kannada organisations staged demonstrations in some districts.

The disruption comes amid widespread protests by farmers and Kannada organisations opposing the release of Cauvery water, with the political dispute spilling over into the exhibition of Vijay’s final film before his transition to full-time politics.

Theatres cancel screenings as precaution

In Bengaluru, Sampige Theatre cancelled all scheduled screenings of Jana Nayagan for the day to avoid any law-and-order issues.

As a precaution, theatre staff removed posters of the film, while some promotional material was covered with other posters to prevent vandalism or confrontation.

Police stepped up security in sensitive areas of the city, particularly in localities with a sizeable Tamil-speaking population. The Srirampura Police increased patrolling and deployed additional personnel to maintain peace.

Theatre owners said the cancellations were intended to ensure the safety of patrons and staff amid the prevailing tensions.

Protests spread to Mandya

In Mandya, pro-Kannada activists reportedly removed promotional banners of Jana Nayagan as demonstrations against the Cauvery water release intensified.

Farmer groups and Kannada organisations continued protests across several parts of the State, arguing that Karnataka should not release water when it is itself facing a shortage due to deficient rainfall.

No major incidents of violence were reported, but authorities maintained heightened security in protest-prone areas.

Cauvery dispute fuels tensions

The protests were triggered after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upheld the recommendation of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days.

Farmer organisations and pro-Kannada groups opposed the order, contending that Karnataka’s reservoirs were under stress and that the available water should be reserved for drinking water and irrigation within the State.

The dispute has once again heightened political and public tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery waters.

Karnataka to challenge directive

Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka government would challenge the CWMA’s directive and pursue legal remedies.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Law Minister C. T. R. Nirmal Kumar said the Tamil Nadu government would approach the Supreme Court to ensure that the State receives its allocated share of Cauvery water.

The differing positions adopted by the two States have intensified the long-running inter-State water dispute.

Film industry assesses impact

The Karnataka Film Chamber has called a meeting to discuss the impact of the cancellation of screenings on the film industry and exhibitors.

The suspension of shows is expected to affect the Karnataka box office performance of Jana Nayagan, particularly in Bengaluru, one of the film’s key markets outside Tamil Nadu.

Vijay’s final film

Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan marks Vijay’s final film before he shifts his focus to full-time politics as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

The political action drama features an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon and Narain.

The film has reportedly grossed over Rs 260 crore worldwide, with Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru contributing significantly to its collections. While it opened strongly at the box office, the film received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and audiences.

With screenings suspended in parts of Karnataka amid the Cauvery dispute, trade analysts expect the film’s box office collections in the State to be impacted if the disruption continues.