Prakash Raj has issued a videographed statement, condemning the reports about he wanting to return his National Awards as a mark of protest against the Prime Minister's silence over the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

"I'm surprised to see the news channels saying that I want to give up the awards. It's not my intention at all. I'm pained over the murder of Gauri Lankesh and over the fact that some of those followed (on Twitter) by our Prime Minister are celebrating her death. We don't know who killed her, but we all know who is celebrating her death. For saying this, I have been trolled and called names. I accept it, as it's all a part of the game," the actor has said.

Prakash Raj also recently condemned the tax regime for the film industry in Tamil Nadu. "Tamilnadu government imposes 10% local body tax for cinema above the #GST. Shame on its audacity when they fail to ensure transparent trade," he had tweeted.