‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ will release on time as Vatal Nagaraj calls off Bengaluru bandh

After Tamil actor Sathyaraj offered an unconditional apology on Friday for his controversial statements which he had made years ago, former MLA Vatal Nagaraj has declared that there will be no obstructions in the peaceful release of ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ in Karnataka. Vatal said, “We have considered his (Sathyaraj's) apology. The film’s director S.S. Rajamouli has also apologised.”
He further said, “As Sathyaraj apologised, there will not be any obstruction for the release of ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’.But, Sathyaraj should keep his words in control.”
Reacting on calls for a counter-ban on Kannada films in Tamil Nadu, Vatal said, “If you obstruct Kannada films in Tamil Nadu, we will take the same action here too.”
He also mentioned that they do not have any problems with the film’s content and that they were only protesting against Sathyaraj’s statements. He added that there would be no Bengaluru bandh on April 28, the date of release of ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’.
Commenting on the nature of the apology rendered, he said, “Sathyaraj should have apologised publicly. He sat somewhere and regretted for his words against Kannadigas. But we will consider this.”
Earlier, protesting against the release of 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' in the state of Karnataka, several Kannada organisations, led by former MLA Vatal Nagaraj, had called for a day-long bandh on April 28.
Addressing media persons, Vatal Nagaraj had said, "Our dissent is not against the movie Baahubali, but against Sathyaraj, who had made derogatory comments about Kannadigas and Karnataka leaders. We want him to apologise to the people of Karnataka and only then will we allow the screening."
However, the film’s director S.S. Rajamouli had clarified that Sathyaraj had made those comments nine years ago and till now, around 30 films starring Sathyaraj have been released in the state. "Linking his old remarks that were made several years ago with the current scenario and posing an obstacle to the release of the movie is not in the interest of the industry," Rajamouli had said.