Days after release, the late actor Puneeth Rajkumar’s last film James is allegedly being removed from several theatres across Karnataka to make way for movies like The Kashmir Files and Telugu film RRR.
James replaced by other movies?
Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah, who met film producer Kishore Pathikonda lately, alleged that the BJP workers were requesting theatres to remove James to house The Kashmir Files and SS Rajamouli’s RRR.
“If the Chief Minister does not interfere and confirm that James is given justice, we will have to think that the State Government has also planned to target the film. I believe the outpouring of grief by the Chief Minister and other BJP members at the death of the actor was genuine, and this is the time to show it,” he said.
He further stated, “it was a surprise that Chief Minister announced tax waiver for a Hindi film and not Kannada film James.
Showing support towards Puneeth
Mr. Pathikonda reacting to the incident, said despite Housefull shows, several theatres were asking him to reduce the number of shows to accommodate other films but refused to name them.
“I don’t know if these theatre owners are being asked to do so, and if so, by whom. I only know what they told me,” he said, demanding to exhibitors to support Puneeth’s last film.
“We are still in the first week and the film is running to packed houses. I am not asking for any generosity. I hope that the issue would be sorted out soon,” he said.
The film’s director, Chethan Kumar, explained that James is not just a movie but an emotion. He said that James had an emotional connection that went beyond business relations and appealed for support.
The much-awaited Telegu movie RRR will be released only at 276 theaters across Karnataka as against 386 theaters. It is reported that many posters and banners of the movie RRR were ripped and removed at many locations in the state, including Bengaluru.
