Tamil superstar Rajnikanth apologized on television to Kannadigas on Thursday evening it had the desired effect with Kuselan now being released across the State on Friday, with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) leaders softening their stand against the actor. A statement by KRV president T A Narayana Gowda summed up the new mood: “Rajnikant has grown in stature by tendering the apology; we have no reason to stop the film now.”

The Tamil superstar Rajinikanth had made some comments about Hogennakal dam project and had also participated in a sit in of Tamil activists opposing it. This did not go down well with Kannadigas. Seeking cooperation for the film’s release,  Rajnikanth said though he has fame, name and money, he is happy even today because he is not egoistic. “I have not forgotten that I was a (bus) conductor (in Bangalore at one time)”.

Sarathkumar, on the other hand, criticized that Rajini has sacrificed the dignity of Tamil people by apologizing to the Kannadigas. He blamed Rajini for lacking principles and showing insensitivity towards Tamilian sentiments. Sarath mentioned that Rajini should have approached the Nadigar Sangam if he had any issues to be dealt with instead of issuing a public apology. He also questioned Rajini’s integrity towards Tamilian’s welfare opining that he did not find Rajini’s speech to
be provoking or hurting the sentiments of Kannada film industry.

Actor Radharavi also echoed the same thoughts and alleged that this was done to protect the likes of some crores worth of Kuselan’s distribution rights across Karnataka.