Cauvery row: False audio clip targets Thalapathy Vijay, Leo release threatened

Fans of Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay seemed to have been agitated by an audio clip, which is doing the rounds on the internet. The contentious recording features an individual impersonating Vijay's voice, delivering strong and critical remarks about Karnataka in light of the ongoing Cauvery-water sharing dispute.

The viral audio clip portrays Vijay supposedly disparaging the people of Karnataka regarding the Cauvery issue and referencing an incident involving actor Siddharth being heckled during a press conference in Bengaluru. The voice also asserts that the film Leo will not be released in Karnataka as a form of protest against these matters.

ALSO READ: Cauvery water row: Chithha star Siddharth forced to leave press conference in Karnataka

The clip quickly garnered widespread attention, but its authenticity was soon debunked. According to reports, the producers of Leo are considering legal action against those responsible for spreading this fraudulent voice note.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at loggerheads

A weak southwest monsoon has revived the water conflict between the two neighbouring states, which heavily depend on the river Cauvery for irrigation and drinking water. The water-sharing conflict has put a strain on the relationship between the two states on several fronts, including the local film industries.

While many high-profile members have expressed solidarity with Karnataka over the ongoing water-sharing conflict, the Tamil film fraternity has steered clear of the issue.

Siddharth faces the heat of the Cauvery protest

Siddharth was recently heckled recently during a press meet in Bengaluru. The actor was in the city promoting his latest movie Chithha. The Kannada dubbed version of the movie was released along with the original Tamil version. Siddharth took the extra step of personally dubbing the movie in Kannada and travelled to Bengaluru to promote the Kannada version.

ALSO READ: Cauvery water row: Shivarajkumar apologizes to Siddharth after actor is forced to leave Chikku promotion

However, his press meet was interrupted by a pro-Kannada activist group. The actor was forced to cut short his media interaction and leave the venue abruptly. The incident sparked a wide outrage, with many in Karnataka, including superstar Shivarajkumar, slamming the behaviour of the activities, He even extended an apology to Siddharth.