The Karnataka government has expressed optimism about the safe release of Kannada screen idol Rajkumar, who is being held hostage by sandalwood smuggler Veerappan. Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi said that a four-member team of negotiators, including R R Gopal, editor of Tamil bi-weekly Nakkheeran, was negotiating with Veerappan for the safe release of Rajkumar. "I have received a message from Nedumaran that the hostages will be released soon,' Karunanidhi said (see