Baahubali 2 in Karnataka: Sathyaraj apologises to Kannadigas for his comments on Cauvery water dispute

Mumbai: Actor Sathyaraj, who essays the role of Kattappa, one of the central characters in SS Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali’ has apologised to Kannadigas for the remarks on the Cauvery Water dispute, he had made nine years ago!

The veteran, who was reportedly under tremendous pressure to tender an apology, said that his remarks were not against the people of Karnataka.

Here's a rough translation of Sathyaraj's statement: I apologise to the Kannada people from the bottom of my heart. Baahubali is a huge film and I am just a small part of it. A number of people have worked hard for the film, stakes are high and I do not want them to be affected because of me. Rajamouli's too have appealed to the people to allow the release of the film."

Pro-Kannadiga groups in the state of Karnataka had threatened to stall the release of the second half of the magnum opus – ‘Baahubali 2’ – and had demanded an apology from Sathyaraj.

Filmmaker Rajamouli, who had addressed Kannadigas through a video message on Twitter Thursday, requested them to allow the release of the film as the stakes involved were really high.

Here’s a rough translation Rajamouli’s video message to people in Karnataka - “Namaskar to all. I am not fluent in Kannada, so if I make a mistake, please forgive me. My producers and I wish to give a clarification regarding Sathyaraj’s comments. He made those comments many years ago and that may have offended many. But we have no connection with the remarks that were his personal views. He made the remark 9 years ago. Since then, a number of films in which he had acted were released in Karnataka. Even Baahubali Part 1 had released. Sathyaraj is not the director or the producer of Baahubali. He will not be at a loss. However, the repercussion of the protest will affect many others who are associated with the film. I request you to allow the release of the film. Heartfelt thanks. Namaskara.”