Bahubali 2 50 cr in Karnataka

The protests by 45-odd Kannadiga organisations against the release of `Bahubali 2’ in Karnataka, has more reasons than one, along with demanding apology from actor Satyaraj. However, industry sources claim that some Kannada producers and distributors are reportedly behind this agitation to stop the Bahubali 2 juggernaut at the box-office.

“Usually, star-driven Telugu films garner around Rs 7 to 9 crore in Karnataka region, but Bahubali 1 surpassed every record and established an enviable record by grossing more than Rs 40 crore and changed the financial dynamics of a Telugu film and Kannada bigwigs are a worried lot these days,” says a top Telugu producer on condition of anonymity.

“With Kannada distributors and exhibitors willing to cough up more than Rs 50 crore for Bahubali 2, it has created a ripples in Kannada film industry, so they are making efforts to halt its release but it will be difficult if producers of Bahubali move court and release their film, if they are forced to,” he adds.

He admits that ruptures between Karnataka and Tamil Naidu states have been very ‘sensitive’ but why stop a film wherein Tamil actor Satyaraj is neither a hero nor producer or a major stakeholder in barring doing a key role in multi-starcast entertainer,” he adds.