BANGALORE: The Karnataka state government formed Pandey Panel has decided to ignore Information and Broadcasting minister's gentle pressure on Karnataka CM Dharam Singh and decided to continue the seven-week moratorium on release of non-Kannada films. 

The film exhibitors were conspicuous by their absence.

Theaters, which used to run non-Kannada films foresee a bleak future if they are not permitted to release films at the same time as all over India and the world. Many owners are considering converting their properties to shopping malls or developing properties there.

Of the 68 theaters which shut shops following the call given by the now dissolved Karnataka Cinema Owners Theater Association (KCTOA), four had already started screening English films. Another 50 may start operations by screening Kannada films, subject to availability. The film exhibitors have given up hope saying that the Karnataka Film Producers Association (KFPA) is too strong. So in Karnataka, might is right and the government seems to be practically doing nothing to sort out the issue.

In yet another development, actor turned politician Ambarish has been given the responsibility to mediate and sort the issue. He is supposed to meet all the three directly effected parties - KFPA, exhibitors and distributors on 15 September.