Upendra's Basavanna first look creates controversy

Upendra's latest film Basavanna has created controversy even before the shooting of the film kicked off. The first look of the Kannada film has raised the eyebrows and has irked a section of community in Karnataka.

Basavanna is the name of a leader from one of the largest communities in Karnataka. The caption of the film and the hand gesture in the poster have put the film in trouble. A gun below a hand with fingers folded in the Chin Mudrā seems to have send a wrong message to the public. Adding to that the first look was released on Basava Jayanthi (May 13).

However, director Srinivasa Raju of Dandupalya fame has denied any connection with the community leader. "I consider Basavanna as just another film for me. When there are films with God's name like Brahma, Shiva why not Basavanna. I have not chosen the film's title to create controversy. I thought it was apt for my story," the Indian Express quoted Srinivas as saying.

The film is all about the strength of a community. It is based on sensitive subject and it will feature two heroines, which are yet to be finalised. The shooting of the film will kick-start next month.