M Karunanidhi opposes release of film 'DAM 999'

DMK President M Karunanidhi today came out against the release of "DAM 999", a Hollywood film depicting the dangers posed by the collapse of an old dam, saying it had been made based on the Mullaperiyar dam over which Tamil Nadu and Kerala are locked in a dispute.

The film, if allowed to be released, would strain the cordial ties between the people of the two states and pose law and order problems, he cautioned in a statement here.

"Considering this, it becomes imperative that the release of the film should be avoided in the state," he said a day after MDMK leader Vaiko and PMK founder S Ramadoss sought a ban on the Sohan Roy directed movie set for worldwide release on November 25.

Karunanidhi said while the Mullaperiyar dam issue remained unresolved for many years, some people have made the film giving it a "motivated title", an apparent reference to the 999 year rights held by Tamil Nadu over Mullaperiyar dam.

The 116-year old dam, located in Iddukki district of Kerala, is under the Tamil Nadu Government control and meets the irrigation needs of farmers in southern districts.

Citing safety concerns, Kerala has proposed construction of a new dam to replace the old structure, but Tamil Nadu has been opposing the move saying it would affect the state's interest.

Stating that his party MPs raised the issue in Parliament today, Karunanidhi expressed hope that the Centre and the film industry should consider all aspects and take a decision.

Vaiko said in a separate statement today that his partymen would stage a "peaceful protest" against the release of the film on Friday.

Ten MDMK activists were arrested yesterday after they allegedly damaged the film rolls at a preview theatre where a trailer was to be screened.