Upendra Reacts To Language Controversy, But Misses The Logic

In recent times, pro-Kannada activists created ruckus outside some theatres in Karnataka and vandalised posters and cut-outs of Telugu films with the objection that the local language was missing on them. They demanded that Kannada language is a must on the promotional material of films from other states if they want to release them in Karnataka. However, many pointed out that it was quite absurd and regressive to demand posters in local language when films are releasing in direct Telugu and not dubbed in Kannada. 

Now, Kannada superstar Upendra, who is soon going to be seen in a significant role in Ram’s upcoming entertainer Andhra King Taluka, has opened up about this language controversy. During his recent interview in Hyderabad, Upendra defended the demands of Kannada activists and stated that there is no wrong in insisting posters and other promotional material in Kannada instead of Telugu because everyone loves and  respects their own language. 

Upendra said people in Karnataka expect films from other languages to be dubbed into Kannada so that they can encourage them and added that there is nothing wrong in demanding posters in the local language. He even cited the grand success of Pushpa 2 in Karnataka as an example and defended that people there want more films to be dubbed into Kannada. 

The anchor tried to refer to some recent incidents where Telugu posters for direct releases were also teared by activists for not having Kannada language on them, but Upendra seemed to have missed a logic on how films like Game Changer, Hari Hara Veera Mallu and OG were targeted over this language row and instead defended that there is no wrong in their demands. 

It is quite illogical to print banners in the local language for films which are releasing directly in Telugu in particular places as it is customary for our people residing in and around Bangalore to celebrate the release of Tollywood films with banners in our own language instead of Kannada as it doesn’t make any sense to display them in other languages for Telugu heroes. 

It is unclear if Upendra misunderstood the context and whether he is trying to downplay the issue ahead of his film’s release. Andhra King Taluka will see him playing a superstar with Ram essaying the role of his fanboy. The film is slated for release on this 27th.