REACTIONS:
KCN Chandrasekhar,
President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce:
Our patience has finally paid off. Since the day Dr Rajkumar was kidnapped, we were all very worried. But we thought that Shanthi Marg was the best solution. Now our Annavru (elder brother) is back. This only proves that we Kannadigas are ready to fight any battle. The Government of Karnataka should now arrange a public reception to felicitate Dr Rajkumar, either at the Bangalore Palace grounds or at Kanteerava stadium as his fans are eager to meet him. After that, he can take his much needed rest. He is Ajathashatru, the one who has no enemies. As far as the tense situation that might erupt after his releases concerned, I don’t think there will be any clash between the Tamils and the Kannadigas in future. When it didn’t happen during the last 108 days, it is clear indication that there will be no clash in future too.

Vishnuvardhan,
Actor:
I was always optimistic about Dr Rajkumar’s release. But this has come as a pleasant and expected surprise. All of us were mentally abducted when Anna was kidnapped by Veerappan. But now the precious crown of Karnataka is back. It is our duty not to disturb him emotionally and physically now as he needs rest.

Ashok,
President of Karnataka Film Workers Federation:
We were all paralysed with the abduction of Dr Rajkumar. Now we feel happy. The surroundings in our society, the politics, mafia and corruption, have spoiled the atmosphere. We have to bring back that the lost glory and sanctity for which we require a person like Dr Rajkumar. My humble request is that all the giants from all walks of life from our state have to converge and weed out the corrupt practices. Now we have to think about the replies for the questions raised by the Supreme Court of India. We may not have the weapons like others but we should learn that it is not impossible to fight with good and peaceful consciousness.

Jayanthi,
actress:
I think the grahana has come to an end. The release of Dr Rajkumar is like poorna chandra. I personally feel this happiness is more than compared to my long stint in the industry. I also request the people of Karnataka not to get emotional and get violent. Today I have laughed so much and eaten a lot of sweets. Dr Rajkumar has proved that he is a very strong person mentally but he does need some rest now.

Upendra,
Actor:
The hangover of the Dr Rajkumar’s abduction is still persisting. But with no work for three months, we shouldn’t feel that we have been left behind. His release now should be taken in the right spirit and good work should be done to recover the losses. The right thought and path will bring us back to our original position.

K Manju,
producer of Kannada films:
People used to throng the theatres after the 100-day screening of Dr Rajkumar’s film as they have always enjoyed his work. But this time it has been 108 days of his abduction. I have not observed any festival in the last 100 days. We Kannadigas should cultivate the confidence and courage to face crisis. After the release of Raj, I shall release Rashtrageethe.

Sa Ra Govindu,
the president of Akila Karnataka
Dr Rajkumar Abimanigala Sangha: Deepavali and Kannada Rajyothsava is today, the release day of Dr Rajkumar. I thank Nedumaran, Sukumaran, Kalyani, RR Gopal and both the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for the effort they have made. What I feel is equally important and the strong responsibility ahead of us is the maintenance and continuity of peace.

Srinivasamurthy,
Senior actor of Kannada films: There is no happiness bigger than the release of Dr Rajkumar. The mental and physical trauma has come to an end. God is great.

KV Gupta,
former South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce President: It is celebration, celebration all the way and we have a valid reason for this. I feel sorry that our most respected personality had to face such an ordeal. On the first meeting itself, anyone can easily take a liking for Dr Rajkumar. Now the Kannada film industry has to step in the right direction to make the losses suffered and be more creative.

Dhanraj,
Producer: Dr Rajkumar’s release has cleared all problems. We can all get back to work with our minds free.