Bengaluru, Oct 9 (NationPress) The studio for the highly acclaimed reality series 'Bigg Boss Kannada' has been reopened as of Thursday, following directives from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. This decision came two days after the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had sealed the site due to violations of operational norms.

Authorities from the district unlocked Gate C of Jollywood Entertainment and Adventures Private Limited at 2:45 a.m., allowing all 17 contestants to return to the set from a private resort.

Shivakumar took to X to affirm his involvement, stating, "I have instructed the deputy commissioner of Bengaluru South District to lift the seal on the Jollywood premises. The studio will be given time to rectify the violations in line with the KSPCB regulations."

The deputy chief minister emphasized his dedication to bolstering the Kannada entertainment sector while prioritizing environmental standards.

Currently, only Gate C, which grants direct access to the Big Boss reality show studio, has been reopened; the main entrance of Jollywood Studios remains closed.

Jollywood Studios has contested the closure in the High Court, with a hearing scheduled for today.

Host and Kannada film icon Kichcha Sudeep expressed his gratitude, stating, "I genuinely thank DK Shivakumar sir for the timely assistance. I also appreciate the authorities for recognizing that Big Boss Kannada was not implicated in the recent turmoil."

"I am grateful to the Dy CM for his swift response to my appeal and extend my thanks to Nalpad for his dedicated efforts. Big Boss Kannada 12 is here to stay," Sudeep added.

The state BJP previously criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government's decision to seal the studio over alleged violations, accusing them of targeting Kichcha Sudeep.

Leader of the Opposition in the state Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused the government of specifically targeting the actor.

“They had previously targeted former ministers KN Rajanna and B Nagendra, and now Sudeep seems to be their next focus,” he stated.

“It is crucial to discern who the government is really targeting. This reflects community-based discrimination. The public will not accept such actions,” Narayanaswamy warned.

Shivakumar had earlier commented, “'Bigg Boss Kannada' should proceed. There may have been some oversights, but opportunities for correction should be provided. This is my approach to resolving the matter.”

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (Secular) took to social media to accuse Shivakumar of seeking vengeance against film artists, suggesting he played a role in the Bigg Boss Kannada show's closure.

The party also shared a video clip of Shivakumar asserting he “knows how to address those who defy” during the inauguration of the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival, in response to criticisms regarding the government’s management of the event.

The KSPCB had issued an immediate closure order for the Bigg Boss Kannada studio on Tuesday, citing non-compliance with environmental regulations and operation without the necessary permissions.

The twelfth season of this beloved reality show, hosted by Sudeep, was recently launched.

In response to the closure order, state Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre remarked on Tuesday, “Despite receiving multiple notices about violations, activities continued. No one is above the law, and appropriate action will be implemented as per legal provisions.”