Fans vandalise theatres over Kiccha Sudeep's Kotigobba-3 release delay

Angered over the postponement of Sandalwood superstar Kichcha Sudeep's Kotigobba – 3, his fans went on the rampage in some cinema halls across the State on Thursday. The actor apologised to his fans for the delay and the distributors decided to release the movie on Friday.

Alarmed by the violence, film producer Soorappa Babu and Sudeep appealed to the fans in separate video messages not to vandalise cinema theatres and promised to release the film on Friday.

Eagerly waiting to watch the first show of the film, Sudeep's fan queued up outside cinema halls in many parts of the State from early in the morning. To their disappointment, they learnt that the movie would be released only on Friday.

Fans got upset and broke the gate of a cinema theatre in Vijayapura and also resorted to stone-pelting.

After violence was reported in some theatres in the State, producer of Kotigobba 3, Soorappa Babu said, "My film could not be released today as I was cheated. There are many reasons for it. Some people have conspired against me. The movie will be released tomorrow at 6 am. Please pardon me. I am not at fault."

Kiccha Sudeep in a tweet, stated, "A request letter in regard to K3 show timings is issued. It's my duty to inform all those at the theatres already that there is a delay in shows due to certain issues. I personally apologies for this negligence from the concerned. I request all not to react angrily at the theatres as they have nothing to do with this. This is a rare situation and I'm sure a little patience from all will be my greatest strength. I too was equally excited to bring forth a film on screen, after such a long gap. Will tweet soon on the show timings once I have better clarity on it. Until then I request you not to cause any harm to urself nor cause damage to any properties (sic)."

He added, "Since I feel it's my personal duty towards all my friends who have loved and believed in me I shall promise you all that I wil ensure my films will not see such chaotic releases in the future."

Urging his fans not to vandalise theatres and maintain calm, Sudeep said, "I saw Babu's video message. I know well who conspired against Babu. Only time will give the answer to them."

The movie also features actors Madonna Sebastian, Ashika Ranganath, Shraddha Das and Aftab Shivadasani. Shiva Karthik is the director and Arjun Janya has scored the music.