Kamal Haasan's effigy burnt in Bengaluru, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce threatens Thug Life release

Indian Express

2 days ago

Kamal Haasan's comment on the root of Kannada language has ignited a huge controversy. Associations like Kannada Rakshana Vedike and various politicians have demanded a public apology and threatened to ban the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka. Videos of members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike burning Kamal's effigy and posters in different parts of the state have also surfaced online.
The controversy got even bigger when Kamal, at another event, refused to issue an apology and said, 'Love will never apologise. I will apologise only if I am wrong, if not, I will not.'
#Bengaluru #Karnataka #kannadalanguage #Thuglife #KamalHaasan #Kannada https://t.co/lua8FmmELo
— K MURALI KUMAR (@photomurali1) May 30, 2025
Kamal Haasan's 'no apology' statement irked minister Shivaraj Tangadagi as he immediately wrote to KFCC (Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce). In his letter, the minister wrote, 'If Tamil film actor Kamal Haasan does not apologise to the people of the state/Kannadigas, the films in which he has acted should be immediately banned in Karnataka.'
While speaking to ANI, KFCC president M Narasimhalu said that people in Karnataka are upset with the veteran actor for his comment. He said, 'People of Karnataka are angry with Kamal Haasan. We have also sent a message to the South Film Chamber. The distributors have decided that if he does not apologise before the release of his film on the 5th, it will not be allowed to release here'. The backlash also extended to Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar as he was also present at the event.
ALSO READ | Kamal Haasan: 'My love for Karnataka is true, won't apologise'
The controversy intensified when Shiva Rajkumar spoke in Kamal Haasan's support. At another event he said, 'I am a huge fan of Kamal sir. People may ask why should I admire someone else when I have my own father (Dr Rajkumar) to look up to. My father is family while I have great respect for Kamal sir. I am inspired by him. Kamal sir knows what he has said, and he will give an appropriate response.' Shiva Rajkumar's statement angered many of his fans, who reached outside his home in protest. Visuals of people throwing stones outside his home have also surfaced online.
ಇದು ಇದು actualy ಚನ್ನಾಗಿರೋದು 👏💥
ಕ್ಷಮೆ ಕೇಳಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ನೆಸ್ಟ್ ಮನೆಗೆ ನುಗ್ಗಿ ಹೊಡೀತೀವಿ Be careful ಶಿವಣ್ಣ🤫#Kfi #BanThugLifeInKarnataka #KamalHaasan #ShivaRajkumar #PuneethRajkumar #Kannada #ThugLife pic.twitter.com/Th9CSKvG4x
— ರವಿ ಬೆಳಗೆರೆ (@RaviBelagere_) May 31, 2025
Meanwhile, Kannada actor Ramya aka Divya Spandana also spoke about the issue and said that calling for a ban was an overreaction. She told NDTV, 'I think Kamal sir has made a factually incorrect statement. Kannada is not derived from Tamil. All South languages come under the same umbrella. Nobody is superior. But, having said that it is bit much boycotting his film. We are all adults and should engage in constructive conversation. We as South Indians have a bigger problem to deal with. We need to battle the Hindi imposition.' She added, 'Kamal sir should just say sorry and move on. However, I am against the ban. You can't force anyone to apologise.'
Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is slated for a theatrical release on June 5.