PremiumRRR dubbing row: Kannada fans furious as bookings open only for Telugu, Tamil and Hindi versions
Since advance bookings opened in the state for the March 25 release of SS Rajamouli’s film, the Karnataka market is being flooded with mostly the Telugu version only
Last Updated: 04.33 PM, Mar 23, 2022
When Baahubali maker SS Rajamouli came to Bengaluru over the weekend with the cast of his next, RRR, Ram Charan and NTR Jr, to promote their film ahead of its March 25 release, there were murmurs about the appropriateness of the Karnataka chief minister’s attendance for a Telugu film’s event. Century Star Shivarajkumar, who was also present at the event, had spoken about how the film should release here in a Kannada version too.
Yet, as of March 22, with advance bookings open in most theatres and almost sold out everywhere, the team has only allotted Telugu, Tamil and Hindi versions in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru. This, of course, has not gone down well with fans, who have not only begun calling for a #LetsBoycottRRR, but also questioned Rajamouli about the absence of a Kannada dubbed version.
Twitter has been abuzz with conversations surrounding no Kannada versions of RRR. Addressing Rajamouli, a user wrote, “You spoke so much about releasing #RRR in Kannada. You even spoke about your Kannada roots in many platforms but when the time has come to stand for Kannada, you have sadly chickened out. Not a single Kannada version. You are ignoring and insulting kannadigas.”
Another added, “Dear @ssrajamouli, why the Kannada version of #RRRMoive is not being released in Karnataka? The distributors in Karnataka are dumping the Telugu version. We want to watch this movie in Kannada. Please ask the distributors to release Kannada version in Karnataka.”
One user brought to the fore how the team seems to have disregarded Shivarajkumar’s request. “Two more days left. Yet no signs of Kannada screening in Bengaluru. This is clear case of telugu hegemony joining hands with cartels in Karnataka film distribution. Kannadigare,wake up. Witness how Shivanna's request to @ssrajamouli just being thrown away.#RRRMovie”
The film’s current booking status being only for Telugu, Tamil and Hindi versions has irked fans, who blamed the makers and the local distributors for this. “Where is kannada ?? You ppl give 1 theatre for kannada version which will be 60+ km from city . And finally u guys say kannada versions are not filling fast @KvnProductions @ssrajamouli,” wrote a user.
Another wrote, “Why hindi, tamil actually in Karnataka ?? #RRR is releasing only in Telugu in #Bengaluru #Karnataka. @ssrajamouli said that it would be otherwise. But this is Anti Kannada stance by the whole RRR team. Telugu Film Industry #TFI is challenging #Kannadigas.”
Fans also wondered why despite the good response to the Kannada version of the trailer and songs, there were no shows, writing, “Dear @ssrajamouli sir, even after seeing such huge response to the Kannada version of trailer and songs, why no #Kannada shows in Karnataka? Don't yield to the anti-dubbing cartels of KFI. If you want the goodwill of Kannada speakers, release the movie in Kannada. Not even a single Kannada show!! Why?? Demand and supply?? Kannada version of the songs have got millions of views. Who watched it?? This is planned murder of Kannada.”
An industry insider said that bookings for the Kannada version will be opened on Wednesday (March 23), but added that these would be minimal, compared to the massive number of shows in Telugu.