Rajinikanth appeals to K'taka CM Kumaraswamy to provide security for Kaala release

Rajinikanth's appeal came after the court's order which allowed the threatre houses in Karnataka to screen the film if they wish. Karnataka is a key state for box office collections for any Rajini film.

Earlier reports said Kumarasamy has confirmed that the movie won't release in his state after some fringe pro-Kannada groups, including Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha., opposed its release over Rajinikanth's remarks on the Cauvery water dispute between the two states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The southern star had earlier said whoever comes to power in Karnataka will have to release water to Tamil Nadu.

Several pro-Kannada groups threatened to stall the film if it is screened. Even the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had banned the film in the state.

A section of the Film Chamber said it is upset over Rajinikanth's comment over the Cauvery river water row.

According to NDTV, in his message to Kumaraswamy, Rajinikanth said: "I understand HD Kumaraswamy's situation. This is not good for Karnataka. When the film is released around the world, the Karnataka ban would highlight the issue (Cauvery water dispute)."

Prior to Rajinikanth's message, the other Southern superstar Kamal Haasan met with Kumaraswamy over the issue.

Haasan had said he saw new "hope" after the meeting.

Haasan's outreach to Kumaraswamy was also appreciated by Rajinikanth.