'Lokah' controversy: Will bengaluru's young women's dignity be hurt? Kannadigas are outraged!

The recently released Malayalam film 'Lokah: Chapter 1 Chandra' has been witnessing a lot of debate and opposition. Kannadigas are outraged by the dialogues that insult young women in Bengaluru as 'Dagar' and portray the city's party-drug culture in a glorifying manner.

The character of Nachiappa Gowda (played by Sandy) in the film gets a marriage proposal. He said, "It is not that I am not going to get married. But i won't marry them here. Here is a dialogue that says, "They are dagars." Many feel that this statement is an insult to the dignity of bengaluru girls. It is being demanded that this dialog be removed. The manner in which Bengaluru is confined to parties, drugs and drug abuse in the film has raised many questions. There is a fear that the outside world will get the misconception that "Bengaluru is that all?"

Sandy is from Tamil Nadu. Though his character's name is Natchiappa Gowda, he speaks in Tamil style. There is a lot of buzz on social media that Kannada artistes could have been selected for the role of Kannadigas. In another scene, the hero replies "I don't know Kannada" to the auto driver's question "Where to go?" It has been alleged that it has been shown in a mocking manner.

Earlier, there were protests against the wrong portrayal of Kerala in Bollywood film Param Sundari. With the same sharpness, Kannadigas are also raising their voice this time. 'Lokah' is a new attempt, a superhero style story. The entire film is based in Bangalore. However, the film has come under criticism for ignoring some misrepresentations, derogatory words and language sensibilities. Though cinema is art, it is also a reflection of society. Language, culture, respect for women – art should be responsible for all this. It is right that Kannadigas are reacting without affecting their identity.