Mumbai: In a recent development, Dulquer Salmaan’s production company, Wayfarer Films, has announced that they will be removing a controversial dialogue from their film 'Lokah' for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking community.
In a post on their official Instagram handle, Wayfarer Films shared a statement of apology saying that they "regret" the inclusion of a dialogue in the film 'Lokah Chapter 1' which has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.
"It has come to our attention that a dialogue delivered by one of the characters in our film Lokah: Chapter One has unintentionally hurt the sentiments of people from Karnataka. At Wayfarer Films, we place people above everything else. We deeply regret this oversight and assure you that no offence was intended. The dialogue in question will be removed/edited at the earliest. We sincerely apologise for the hurt caused and humbly request you to accept our apology," the statement read.
The decision comes after backlash from various quarters, including regional actors, filmmakers, and fans, who expressed their displeasure over the dialogue in question.
The controversy erupted when a particular line in the film was perceived as derogatory towards the Kannada language and culture. Social media platforms were soon flooded with calls for an apology, with many accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting the community.
The decision to remove the dialogue and issue an apology is seen as a step toward mending ties with the Kannada audience. The film, which had already seen a positive reception from other regions, will now undergo revisions before being re-released.
Industry insiders have also welcomed the move, praising the filmmakers for their swift response and sensitivity towards the issue.
'Lokah', which is a multilingual film, is set to be re-screened without the contentious dialogue in theaters and on digital platforms in the coming days.
