Head Bush row: Makers agree to mute ‘objectionable’ dialogues after Thigala community protest

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce held a meeting with the makers of film, and the representatives of the Thigala community and Dharmaraya Swamy Temple.

ByShashiprasad S M

Published Oct 27, 2022 | 8:22 PM ⚊UpdatedOct 27, 2022 | 8:22 PM

dhananjaya in head bush

Actor-producer Daali Dhananjaya in his latest release 'Head Bush'. (Supplied)

The controversy surrounding Daali Dhananjaya’s latest release Head Bush was put to rest on Thursday, 27 October, after those associated with the movie agreed to mute a few “objectionable” dialogues.

The film allegedly showed members of the Thigala community, who perform Karaga, in a poor light.

The decision to mute a few dialogues was taken after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) convened a meeting in Bengaluru. The makers of Head Bush and the representatives of the Thigala community and Dharmaraya Swamy Temple attended the meeting.

The community members raised strong objections to a few scenes which reportedly portrayed Karaga in a poor light.

After the meeting, actor-producer Dhananjaya announced the decision to mute a few dialogues.

“We never intended to hurt the feelings of any community. I respect every community with utmost honesty. However, I apologise for any minor mistakes committed during the making of the film,” Dhananjaya said.

“I am happy and relieved that the controversy has finally ended. I am thankful for everyone’s support and love they have shown for Head Bush,” he added.

head bush movie

Dhananjaya-starrer ‘Head Bush’ is the latest to court controversy. (Supplied)

The actor asserted that he has been working hard to present meaningful content to Kannada audiences and hence took up production.

“I started my own production house to promote new talents, especially those who come from a struggling background. I will continue to do so.”

“I am overwhelmed by the response and love showered on my films which have given me the strength to continue to do my bit as an artist and a filmmaker,” he said.

Thigala community president Subbanna, who attended the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the outcome

“We are happy that the makers of Head Bush decided to mute a few dialogues. We loved the film, barring certain scenes which had hurt more than 50 lakh Thigala community members across the state,” he added.

He stated that they requested the filmmakers avoid those scenes. “Otherwise, the film is a great work of art. We even urged everyone in our community to watch the movie.”

The controversy

Head Bush landed in trouble following accusations of insulting Veeragase folklore, performed by the Thigala community, and making objectionable remarks about Karaga folk dance.

The film is based on the memoir, My Days in the Underworld, by former gangster-turned-writer Agni Sridhar. He wrote the screenplay of Head Bush as well.

While the movie opened to mixed reviews, it has been making some headway at the box office lately. However, Hindu activists – especially from the Veeragase and Thigala communities, including the heads of Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, which organises the world-famous Karaga Utsava, raised serious objections for insulting their community.

The bone of contention

still from head bush film

A still from the ‘Head Bush’ movie. (Supplied)

First, the Veeragase community took serious offence to a fight sequence in the film where protagonist Jayaraja, portrayed by Dhananjaya, fights his rivals dressed in Veeragase costumes.

The community expressed displeasure that Veeragase or Veerabhadra Kunita, a vigorous and energy-sapping folk dance based on Hindu mythology and praising Veerabhadra Swamy, was insulted in Head Bush.

They accused that the Veeragase dancers were not only shown wearing shoes but the protagonist was seen kicking them.

However, Dhananjaya and the makers termed such allegations baseless. The actor initially felt that a group of miscreants were unnecessarily creating the controversy.

Regarding the controversial scene, he clarified that the particular fight scene documented how the protagonist was attacked by his rivals.

“There were real Veeragase performers and a few others who try to attack the protagonist in the guise of Veeragase in the scene. After Jayaraj identifies them, the real Veeragase dancers could be seen going back. This is followed by the fight sequence, which breaks out between the attackers and Jayaraj,” he explained.

“However, a section of miscreants is sharing only a part of the video clip to instigate and create problems against Head Bush,” he pointed out.

Demand for deletion of scenes

movie head bush dhananjaya

‘Head Bush’ is based on the memoir “My Days in the Underworld” by former gangster-turned-writer Agni Sridhar. (daali-pictures/Twitter)

Writer Agni Sridhar reacted strongly, saying that Head Bush was his creation, and Dhananjaya had only acted and produced the film.

“I am a Hindu, too. I have written the script which is based on the life of gangster Jayaraj. We will not be deterred by a few elements trying to create a controversy out of nothing.”

“Nobody can stop the screening of the film which is doing exceptionally well in theatres. It is only the courts that can stop the screening and we explain it to the court,” he added.

On the other hand, the Thigala community which performs Karaga, too, approached the KFCC, demanding the deletion of a few scenes and an apology from the film’s makers.

The Veeragase community also demanded an apology and the deletion of a few scenes.

Support pours in for Dhananjaya

Even as controversy marred Head Bush, several filmmakers, and the Kannada film fraternity, stood in support of Dhananjaya. A film should be viewed only as a film. Creative freedom should be respected, besides avoiding unnecessary controversies.

The #WeStandwithDhanajaya hashtag started trending on social media platforms with netizens in thousands expressing displeasure against the unwarranted controversy.

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