Hubballi: With just days left for the release of his much-anticipated film ‘Mark’, Kannada superstar Kiccha Sudeep delivered a powerful and cryptic message during the film’s pre-release event held in Hubballi, sparking widespread discussion across film circles and social media.
Addressing the gathering, Sudeep said that while a film is set to release in theatres on December 25, there appears to be “a force outside preparing for a war.” Declaring his stand openly from the stage, he asserted, “We are ready for the war as well, because we stand by our words.”
Sudeep clarified that his silence in recent times should not be mistaken for weakness. “It’s not that I don’t have a voice. Sometimes I don’t know whether staying silent is right or wrong. But for your sake, for my friends, and for the well-being of everyone associated with me, I chose to remain quiet. That doesn’t mean I cannot speak,” he said.
Referring to persistent criticism and opposition, the actor remarked that stone-pelting had continued for a long time, but patience had prevailed. “You have endured it with restraint. I say this now—endure it as long as you can, but when the time comes to speak, speak out,” he added.
Calling ‘Mark’ an exceptional film, Sudeep expressed his gratitude to director Vijay Karthikeya, the producers, and the entire team. In a rousing appeal to fans, he said, “When the film releases on December 25, the cheers from theatres in Hubballi should be loud enough for me to hear them in Bengaluru.”
Following his strong remarks, speculation has intensified over whom Sudeep was targeting and what he meant by being “ready for war” on the day of the film’s release.
It may be noted that ‘Mark’ has been produced by Sathya Jyothi Films, marking the production house’s return to Kannada cinema after 39 years. Sudeep plays a police officer in the film, which is directed by Vijay Karthikeya, known for ‘Max’. The film also stars Naveen Chandra, Yogi Babu, Nishvika Naidu, Roshini Prakash, Ashwin Hasan, and Mahantesh Hiremath, with music composed by Ajaneesh Loknath.