Film industry in TN, Karnataka joins Hogenakkal protests

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The Hogenakkal water project, which sparked off violence in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu during the past few days, vertically split the politically influential film industries of the states as popular film stars joined the protests, endorsing their respective governments’ stand.

It was a star-studded show at Chepauk in Chennai where ‘superstar’ Rajnikant joined by popular stars of ‘Kollywood’, in an eight-hour-long fast, denounced attempts to whip up an agitation in Karnataka against the project by groups and political parties there, as a ‘cheap election gimmick.

Leading actors in their speeches wanted the controversy over the Rs 1334 crore project being implemented by the Tamil Nadu government at the border town of Hogenakkal, to be “nipped in the bud” before it could turn divisive and threaten the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

“Those who are raising the issue are doing it for elections,” Rajnikant said in an emotional speech in which he denounced politicians of Karnataka for playing ‘cheap politics.’

In Bangalore, top Kannada filmstars joined ‘anti-Hogenakkal’ stir, observing a day-long dharna and echoed the demand of pro-Kannada and political outfits for Central intervention to halt the project even as protests continued in the state.

Members of Kannada film industry including artists, technicians, directors, producers and distributors converged near Town Hall under the banner of the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce pledged their support to the stir and flayed political parties for their failure to find a solution.

Actors, who addressed the gathering, said the industry was ready for any sacrifice to protect the interest of Karnataka on issues concerning its land or water.