Bangalore: Kannada Okkoota, an umbrella body of various Kannada organisations, is all set to make the bandh call given on January 27, opposing dubbing of films and teleserials into Kannada, a success. A meeting of the Kannada Okkoota was convened here on Tuesday to discuss the bandh where it was unanimously resolved to stall dubbing, which according to the leaders, will be detrimental to the interest of Kannada and culture, besides affecting the lives of thousands of artistes and technicians.

Addressing the meeting, Vatal Nagaraj, president, Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha, sought “whole-hearted” cooperation from film industry for the bandh. “I appeal to the Kannada entertainment fraternity to participate in it, as the bandh is called to protect their interests,” he said.

Accusing multi-national entertainment corporates of “hatching a conspiracy” to usher in the dubbing culture with their money power, Mr. Vatal Nagaraj said that a rally would be organised on Monday at the Central College Grounds to send a message to those venturing into dubbing.

Pro-Kannada organisations would also stage a dharna in front of the offices of Deputy Commissioners in the 30 districts.

Kannada Film Directors Association president M.S. Ramesh said that the movement would continue till the proponents of dubbing stopped their attempts to dub films and serials.

Member of Legislative Council and the former chairperson of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Tara sought to know the fate of a resolution passed three years ago at the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelan opposing dubbing.

She said that she would raise the issue in the legislature session.

Film-maker B. Suresh questioned the rationale behind the demand from some quarters for dubbing.