Soon after Dharmashala International Film Festival (DIFF) which is scheduled between Nov 1 and Nov 4, cancelled its closing film Balekempa in the festival following metoo allegations against Ere Gowda by an anonymous person, the producer of Balekempa have decided to withdraw the film from all its film festival commitments until further clarity in the matter.

In a statement, the Zoo Entertainment, has said that it offers fullest support to the Me Too movement. “We strongly believe in the equality of all people, and wish to express our solidarity with the Me Too movement towards making our society a safer and better place,” it states.

Further on withdrawing the movie, it adds, “We note that the concerned person has chosen to remain anonymous. We understand that Ere Gowda is yet to give his statement regarding the allegation. We find the allegation shocking, and are deeply disturbed and saddened. As the producers of Balekempa, directed by Ere Gowda, we feel a need to take decisive action regarding how we wish to take things forward with the film. As of now we are withdrawing the film from all its festival commitments until we have further clarity on the facts.”