Rajini expresses his apology

After Superstar Rajinikanth expressed regret over a remark he made on the Hogenakkal water project issue, the pro Kannada activists Vattal Nagaraj and KRV people have withdrawn their protests against the actor and his film Kuselan that planned to release today in Karnataka. Before the Kuselan Review is out, the word of mouth has made the film very popular.

"By expressing regret, Rajinikanth has showed his greatness. We no longer oppose the release," KRV president Narayana Gowda said yesterday late evening.

"It is going to be a smooth screening for Kuselan. Rajini sir has shown his greatness by expressing his apology and regret to solve an issue, even it is not fruitful for him" Jayamala, the president of KFCC said.

Rajinikanth said Kannada channels in Hyderabad that his comment 'kick them' made during the Hogenakkal row was targeted at goondas and bad elements. He stressed that he was not at all referring to Kannadigas and Kannada organisations fighting for the cause of their language.

Expressing regret he said, "It was a mistake. I have learnt a big lesson from the people of Karnataka. What is important is that the mistake is not repeated. I will be careful while speaking in future and see that I don't hurt anybody. After all I'm not a politician. That is why it happened".

Rajinikanth said he respected good people in the state but never apologised to goondas. "I had witnessed for some worst violence caused for public disturbance and loss of public assets. Those people should be punished," Rajini says emotionally.

He also said that he always respects the good people like Shivarame Gowda, who are fighting for the cause of Kannada and he is with them.

Now all the 17 theaters that are going to release the film in the city geared up to release the film. The police also ensured security arrangements to screen the film without any more disturbances. "We have made elaborate security arrangements," Additional Commissioner of Police MR Pujar said.