Known for his straightforward and hard-hitting remarks, “Challenging Star” Darshan took an indirect jibe at Rajinikanth’s Jailer (2023), which became a huge success in Karnataka, at a gathering at Bannur in Mysuru district.
His remarks came in the wake of the recent allegations that the Kannada film industry, especially star actors, remained silent over the Cauvery water dispute.
Soon after being criticised that the Kannada film industry — especially star actors — was mum on the issue, almost all leading Kannada actors took to social media and expressed their solidarity with Karnataka farmers in the Cauvery water dispute case.
Many expressed that justice must be done in the matter citing that Karnataka is facing a shortage of drinking water, and scarcity of rain only made things worse for the people.
“Why do you see only Darshan, Shivanna, Sudeep, Yash, Abhishek, and other Kannada actors when it comes to issues like the Cauvery water dispute,” Darshan questioned.
He referred to a distributor who recently bought a Tamil film for distribution in Karnataka and made huge profits.
Though Darshan did not name the movie, it was obvious that he was referring to the Tamil film Jailer.
“The distributor bought the distribution rights of a Tamil film recently for ₹6 crore. The film ended up collecting ₹36-37 crore. Why are these people not visible, and only Darshan, Shivanna, Sudeep, Yash and others are being questioned about their stance or silence,” he wondered.
Incidentally, the Tamil film Jailer featured Kannada star actor Dr Shiva Rajkumar who was widely appreciated for his cameo.
Related: Cauvery water dispute: Sandalwood voices its concern
Who watched it?
While clarifying that he was not criticising all the big actors in the film (Jailer, which he indirectly referred to), he said he was only concerned as to who made the Tamil movie earn so much in Karnataka.
“It is not the people of Tamil Nadu who watched the Tamil film in Karnataka. It is the same who are questioning us. It earned around ₹36-37 crore in Karnataka and when they are profiting, why have none of you questioned their silence in the matter and why only us,” Darshan noted, adding that he was often criticised for speaking the truth.
‘I’m a farmer too’
The Challenging star, while taking a dig at those criticising Kannada actors, reminded them that he was a farmer too.
“I too am a farmer. I raise buffaloes, sell milk, and use the same Cauvery water for agriculture. When you give your money to watch their film, it is for you to question them too. We do not have enough water for drinking, how can we release water to them,” Darshan added.
