Kannada actor Upendra has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding the tearing down of Telugu film posters in Karnataka, sparking a debate about linguistic rights and respect for regional cinema. The incidents, which included posters for Pawan Kalyan's Hari Hara Veera Mallu, have ignited discussions on the prominence of Kannada in promotional materials within the state.
Upendra, who is currently promoting his upcoming Telugu film Andhra King Taluka, addressed the issue in a recent interview with ABN. When asked about the challenges Telugu films face in Karnataka due to the demand for Kannada in all promotional content, Upendra responded by questioning what was wrong with the requirement. He stated that if a film is released in Karnataka, the audience naturally prefers to watch it in Kannada. He further emphasized the importance of dubbing films in Kannada when they are dubbed in other languages.
To support his argument, Upendra cited the success of Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa 2: The Rule in Karnataka. He noted that Pushpa collected over ₹10 crore from its Kannada version alone. However, according to Sacnilk, Pushpa: The Rise (2021) earned ₹19.69 crore in Karnataka, even though a Kannada version was not released at the time. Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) generated ₹98.4 crore in the state, with ₹7.77 crore attributed to the Kannada dub.
When the interviewer clarified that the issue extended beyond dubbing and included the demand for Kannada posters even for films released in their original language, Upendra maintained his stance. He asserted that Kannada-speaking people simply prefer to watch films in their language and that respecting this preference is essential when releasing a film in the state. According to Upendra, there is nothing wrong with expecting films to "respect the language".
Upendra's comments have ignited a debate about the appropriateness of demanding Kannada posters for films released directly in Telugu, such as OG or Game Changer. Some view the vandalism of Telugu film posters as an act of pro-Kannada activism, while others consider it an infringement on linguistic rights.
The controversy highlights the broader issue of linguistic diversity and cultural sensitivity in India's regional film industries. While some argue that prioritizing the local language promotes regional cinema and culture, others believe that it could lead to linguistic chauvinism and hinder the free flow of artistic expression. The debate also raises questions about the balance between linguistic rights and the commercial interests of filmmakers and distributors.
As Upendra prepares for the release of his Telugu film Andhra King Taluka on November 27th, his comments have added fuel to the ongoing discussion about language and cultural identity in Karnataka.
