[1]Setting a new trend of wooing voters with movie tickets rather than the usual free liquor or cash,a producer of the film “Shiva” a typical potboiler, is allowing people in for free in two theatres of Jagalur town where it is showing.
Villagers of Sokke, Nayakanahatti and Bharamasagara too are enjoying the movie for free thanks to the producer, B Kantharaj, who is hoping his gesture will translate into votes when he contests the next assembly elections.
A former president of the Chitradurga city municipality, Mr Kantharaj is showing Shiva free of cost to people in five theatres in the Jagalur assembly constituency for 50 days. The producer admits he has political ambitions but claims he hasnt decided yet on whether to contest from Jagalur or not. “I have decided to hold free screenings of Shiva for people because they cant afford to see it in these times of drought. I am holding the free movie shows for 50 days to mark the 50th birthday of my film's hero, Shivarajkumar. While the people enjoy the movie , I can perhaps gain in popularity too," he frankly adds.
While he claims not to have decided which political party to join, sources say he is keen on contesting on a Congress ticket. His other options are either the JD(S) or the BSR Congress party, they added.
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/28sivajpgcropdisplayjpg-430