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30 Jul 2026, 5:23 pm

KFCC president Jayamala, producer Rockline Venkatesh along with former KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu andreaffirm the Kannada film industry's support for Karnataka's farmers and call for a scientific assessment before any Cauvery water release.

The Kannada film industry has once again united over the Cauvery water dispute, reaffirming its support for Karnataka's farmers as tensions rise following the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) latest water release directive. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), backed by leading industry figures, has vowed to stand with farmers and support any protest the chamber decides to undertake.

The issue has also spilled over to cinemas. Amid the ongoing Cauvery row, protests were staged against Jana Nayagan, which released across Karnataka last week. Activists demanding a stronger stand on the water dispute called for the film to be removed from theatres and tore down posters outside Bengaluru's Gurushree Theatre, highlighting how the controversy has begun to affect the exhibition of Kannada films.

Addressing the media, KFCC president and veteran actor Jayamala said the Kannada film industry has never stayed away from issues concerning Karnataka's land and water. She recalled the industry's participation in earlier agitations over the Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri movements, saying the fraternity has consistently stood by farmers.

"Our language, land, water and people come first. Whenever these are threatened, the Kannada film industry will stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers," she said.

Former KFCC president, and activist, Sa Ra Govindu criticised the CWMA's order, calling it "unscientific." He argued that Karnataka's reservoirs have received very little rainfall over the past two months and questioned how the state could be asked to release water under such circumstances.

Govindu demanded that the Centre depute an expert committee from Delhi to inspect reservoir levels and assess the ground reality before issuing any directions on water sharing.

Producer Rockline Venkatesh said the Kannada film industry remains united on matters concerning the state's interests. He asserted that every constituent body under the KFCC, including the Karnataka Film Artistes' Association, would abide by the chamber's decision on the next course of action. He also expressed confidence that actors across the Kannada film industry would extend their full support to any movement initiated by the KFCC.

Recalling the industry's history of participating in Cauvery-related protests, Rockline said the fraternity has always followed the ideals of Dr Rajkumar during moments of public importance. He also remembered the late actor Ambareesh, who resigned from his post as a Union minister in support of Karnataka's Cauvery cause.

The CWMA's latest directive has reignited political and public debate across the state, with farmer organisations and Kannada groups demanding that Karnataka prioritise its own water needs. Industry representatives reiterated that the film fraternity stands united with Karnataka's farmers.