Siddharth had himself dubbed for the Kannada version of Chithha

Activists urged him to join Cauvery protests

Chikku released in theatres on September 28th

Actor Siddharth had organised a press meet for Chikku, the Kannada dubbed version of Chithha on 28th September that had released on the same day. 

He began the press conference by saying, “Today, Chikku, a film for which I have dubbed with all my heart, is releasing. Everyone, kindly watch it in theatres. Namaskara, Karnataka fans.”

However the press meet was disrupted by Karaave Swabhimani Sangha activists. “We have been protesting for the last 15 days. The Kaveri water is going to Tamil Nadu. He is holding a press meet for a Tamil film. Is this required? Can’t this be held some other time? We are requesting you to kindly stop this. You can join us in the streets in our protest,” an activist told Siddharth.

Siddharth left the stage after thanking the organisers. The banners for the film were also removed. 

The incident drew a variety of responses. “Karaave Swabhimani Sangha’s actions were profoundly unfair. Sidharth has not only dubbed in Kannada but, is actively promoting the film here, unlike many non-Kannada film artiste who neglect the Kannada version and refrain from promoting it. Film actors have unfortunately become soft-targets,’ entertainment blogger Bhargavi Chandrashekar stated on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Karaave Swabhimani Sangha’s actions were profoundly unfair. Sidharth has not only dubbed in Kannada but, is actively promoting the film here, unlike many non-Kannada film artiste who neglect the Kannada version and refrain from promoting it. Film actors have unfortunately become… pic.twitter.com/ylRWnaQ7XN

— Bhargavi (@IamHCB) September 28, 2023