Pro-Kannada groups have called off plans to disrupt the release of Rajinikanth's new film 'Kuselan' in Karnataka after the actor expressed regret over a remark he made on the Hogenakkal row.

On Thursday, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike assembled at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and demanded Rajinikanth's apology and announced they would not allow the release of the film unless he apologized.

'By expressing his regret, Rajnikanth has showed his greatness. We no longer oppose the release,' KRV president Narayana Gowda said. 'It is going to be a smooth screening for Kuselan,' said V S Suresh, vice president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. 'The matter has been resolved,' he said.

Rajinikanth told Kannada channels in Hyderabad that comment 'kick them' made during the Hogenakkal row was targeted at lumpen elements and stressed he was not at all referring to Kannadigas and pro-Kannada organizations fighting for the cause of the language.

Expressing regret, he said 'It was a mistake. I have learnt a big lesson. What's important is that the mistake is not repeated. I will be careful while speaking in the future and see that I don't hurt anybody.' Rajnikanth said he bows before good people but insisted he would not apologize to goondas. He also gave a clean chit to a few people, including Vedike chief Shivarame Gowda saying they are fighting for the cause of Kannada and he was with them. Meanwhile, cinema houses in Bangalore geared up to release the film.

Watch Rajini Watches 'Kathanayakudu' In Hyderabad