Don’t cast me if you fear backlash: Sathyaraj hits back

“I will continue to voice my support and opinion for the rightful demands of Tamils. So, if you fear backlash, don’t sign this small actor in your films. More than an actor, I would love to die as a rationalist Tamil supporting the Tamils’ cause,” he said in a three-and-a-half minute video message released on Friday. 

The actor has released the statement in the wake of protests and calls for ban against the release of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion over his remarks against Karnataka in 2009 Sathyaraj also clarified the comments he had made nine years ago were in reaction to opposition for screening Tamil films in Karnataka over Cauvery row and not against people in the neighbouring state. 

“I have no hatred against Karnataka. My assistant for 30 years, Sekar’s mother tongue is Kannada. Back then, every participant at the protest spoke against Tamils being attacked in Karnataka in an emotional state of mind and I was one among them. Even actors of Kannada film industry spoke in similar fashion at a protest meet called by them and my effigies were also burnt. But I express my regret since people of Karnataka have found the words used in my speech hurting,” he said. 

Sathyaraj also said that his role in the Baahubali franchise is just that of an actor and protesting against the release of the film in Karnataka will affect scores of technicians and artistes and crores of rupees invested in the film. 

“In the last nine years, 30 of my films including Baahubali I released in Karnataka without any trouble. I have even been approached for direct Kannada films, which I couldn’t accept due to my other commitments. So, I request people of Karnataka to accept my regret and allow the smooth release of Baahu bali 2 in the state,” the actor stated. 

Meanwhile, the cast and crew of the film including actors Prabhas, Rana Daggubatti and Anushka Shetty along with director S S  Rajamouli will unveil the film in a promotional event on April 25 in Dubai. Also  in attendance will be the producer of the film Shobu Yarlagadda. The film is scheduled for release on April 28.