Activists demand Superstar Rajinikanth’s arrest for shooting in a tiger reserve – Times of India

South Superstar Rajinikanth had the nation buzzing when it was announced that he will be featuring in an episode of ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls’. The actor shot the episode in Karnataka‘s Bandipur Tiger Reserve and came out smiling with mere bruises. However, according to the latest reports doing the rounds, activists are now protesting against the star and demanding his arrest.

A row over the shoot has sprung up with activists expressing their fears about the effect the crew’s presence would have on the animals. They allegedly cited that presence of the crew in the area could endanger the animals and also ignite forest fires that could spread rapidly due to dry weather conditions.

An activist named Joseph Hoover also went on to state that the team could have shot the episode during the monsoons. Reports further claim that major fires that have occurred in the state in 2012, 2017 and 2019, have damaged around 8,000 hectares of green cover. Projects like roads and development work have also reportedly hampered the forest areas.

#Breaking | Row over the latest ‘Man vs Wild’ shoot, activist wants @rajinikanth to be arrested. https://t.co/cP4HSITTSh

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) 1580301552000

Rajinikanth is still to comment on the matter.

In the episode, Rajinikanth reportedly appealed for water conservation, saying, “This war (water conserving) has to be led at all levels including government, community as well as on the individual front.”

He also encouraged all Indians to come forward and contribute to water conservation.

After our episode with Prime Minister @NarendraModi of India helped create a bit of TV history, (3.6 billion impres… https://t.co/U2Z9rdjXd8

— Bear Grylls (@BearGrylls) 1580277615000

Thank you very much dear @BearGrylls for an unforgettable experience … love you. @DiscoveryIN thank you #IntoTheWildWithBearGrylls

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) 1580285284000

Speaking on his decision to finally make his television debut, he said in a statement, “I agreed to finally make my debut on TV after more than four decades of cinema.”

“Into The Wild is a truly unique show, at one level it offers adrenaline-pumping action, while at another, the show lends itself beautifully to driving a specific purpose for the larger good of society,” Rajinikanth added.

Grylls heaped praise on Rajinikanth, saying that the actor is a phenomenon. “Our team is all very excited to work closely with Thalaiva! He has always shown such energy and flair in all he does and he will need that courage and determination again on our journey into the beautiful wilds of India.”