Head Bush controversy: Outpouring of love for Dhananjaya after Veeragase and Karaga portrayal issue in film

In the last couple of days, actor Dhananjaya and his most recent film Head Bush have been trending on social media. Unfortunately, the trending hashtags were not to celebrate the film’s success at the box office, with Dhananjaya’s MP Jayaraj biopic receiving mixed reviews and not registering the kind of business the team was hoping for.

Head Bush and, by default, Dhananjaya, have been trending following allegations that the depiction of Veeragase and Karaga in the film was objectionable. In a sequence from the film, Dhananjaya, as Jayaraj, is seen roughing up baddies who were disguised as Veeragase performers, which was seen as an affront to actual performers.

Dhananjaya, who has also produced the film, has been explaining that there was no intention to insult anyone, but the issue remains a hot point of discussion, with calls to remove said scene, among others. In fact, the actor is set to have a meeting with several stakeholders at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce today.

As a visibly flustered Dhananjaya began talking to the media about the issue, netizens have been coming to his support. #WearewithDhananjaya was one of the trending hashtags about the film, as fans discussed how the team was being unnecessarily targeted and that cinema should be seen as entertainment and not given a political or religious flavour.

“Movie is made for entertainment purpose and there is a disclaimer shown at the start of every movie. If you think he has disrespected the god then let the god decide and mind your business. @Dhananjayaka we are with you 🙏 #Kantara #Kannada #Karnataka #HeadBush,” wrote one user.

While a majority of netizens stood by Dhananjaya, irrespective of the film’s box office performance, a segment wondered if the controversy was kicked up by the team as a publicity gimmick. This school of thought came about after the film’s rating on an online ticket booking site began improving.