High drama prevailed when real life put a spanner in the works of a ‘reel’ star. Harish Raj, a Sandalwood hero and director of Gun, threatened to commit suicide by jumping off the roof of Santosh theatre, Majestic, on Saturday. Hundreds of people gathered at the theatre to witness this hero’s antics.
His film was supposed to be screened in the theatre on Saturday. Harish alleged he had paid rent for two weeks to the theatre to screen his film. But he was shocked when the theatre owner said Sudeep-starrer Kempegowda would be screened instead.
Harish said Gun was well-received by the audience and hence there was no reason to stop its screening. But the owner said the film was not worthy of family entertainment. At the end of this impasse, a frustrated Harish rushed to the roof, threatening to commit suicide.
The police said Harish climbed onto the rooftop at 10.45 am and held a knife. He kept screaming that he would jump off the roof. The police rushed to the theatre and tried to dissuade Harish from taking the extreme step, but Harish was adamant. “Why should I stay alive?” he told the police.
Police constable Satish sustained a cut to the face from Harish’s knife during a scuffle with the ‘hero’. Policemen managed to overpower Hairsh and brought him down to safety. In the meantime, fire and emergency personnel rushed to the spot with nets and other rescue equipment.
Harish alleged that the theatre owner had decided Gun was a ‘flop’ despite it doing well at the box office in the first week after the film’s release. He added that many ‘hit’ films attract public attention three weeks after the release. But, he was told his film would be shunted out just after two weeks of screening in Santosh. “How can we survive? Theatre owners help films with superstars only,” said Harish.
Gun’s producer K Murali said the issue would be discussed by the Karnataka Film Chamber on Monday. “The matter will be solved,” he said. The police have registered a case against Harish under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code for attempt to commit suicide and Section 353 for assaulted a public servant from discharge of his duty.
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