Upendra on absence of Kannada on Telugu posters in Karnataka: Respect the language
Amid the ongoing protests by pro-Kannada activists, Kannada actor Upendra has addressed the controversy surrounding the expectation of Kannada language promotional material in Telugu films in Karnataka.
Kannada actor Upendra has expressed his views on the ongoing controversy over the presence of Kannada language on Telugu film posters in Karnataka. The issue has gained greater attention recently due to protests by pro-Kannada groups demanding that at least a portion of the promotional material for Telugu films released in Karnataka be displayed in Kannada. The controversy highlights tensions over language representation and regional identity within the film industry.
Upendra is promoting his film these days Andhra Raja Talukawas asked to comment on the situation during a recent interview with ABNHe stressed that audiences in Karnataka expect to see their language represented, “What’s wrong in that? If a film is released in Karnataka, they want to see it in Kannada language,” he said,
Further clarifying his stand, Upendra said that dubbing films into Kannada is a common practice and has proven successful. He gave the example of the film PushpaSaying, “Pushpa More than Rs 10 crore were collected for the Kannada version alone.”
When he was told that the current debate was not about dubbing but about posters and advertisements, Upendra disagreed with any notion that the expectation was unfair. He said that Kannada speaking audiences are just wanting respect for their language during the release of the film.
Pro-Kannada activists have protested in theaters objecting to Telugu film posters and banners that do not include Kannada text. These activists have sometimes resorted to vandalism, insisting that film titles and important information must be shown in Kannada for any release in the state.
This controversy has put additional scrutiny on how film promotion is conducted in Karnataka. Upendra addressed the broader issue of linguistic respect within the industry, saying, “When releasing a film, you have to respect the language as well. There is nothing wrong in that,” he said.
The debate comes at a time when the film industry across India is increasingly targeting multilingual audiences, with films often dubbed and promoted in multiple regional languages.
Upendra will be seen in Telugu film Andhra Raja TalukaStarring Ram Pothineni and Bhagyashree Borse. This film is going to be released on 27th November.
