Kamal Haasan's Effigy Burnt In Bengaluru Over Kannada Remark Controversy
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Kamal Haasan refused to apologize for his 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' statement, causing protests by pro-Kannada groups who demand an apology and threaten to ban his film.
Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise for his 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' statement, leading several pro-Kannada groups protesting against the actor in Karnataka. Groups like Kannada Rakshana Vedike and some politicians have asked Kamal Haasan to apologise publicly. They have also warned that they might stop his upcoming film Thug Life from releasing in Karnataka.
And now, several videos and photos have appeared online showing members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike burning Kamal Haasan's effigy and posters in different parts of the state. The protests are aimed at expressing anger over his controversial statement, with demands to ban his latest film Thug Life in Karnataka.
The situation became more intense when Kamal Haasan, at a different event, refused to apologise. He said, 'Love will never apologise. I will apologise only if I am wrong, if not, I will not. This is my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it. India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice."
On Saturday, pro-Kannada groups, led by Lok Sabha MP LR Shivarame Gowda and other activists, visited many movie theaters in the city, asking them not to show Thug Life.
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi stated that Kamal Haasan's films would be banned in the state if the actor does not apologise for his remarks about the Kannada language. He added that this decision was made by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). In the meantime, KFCC president M Narasimhalu shared that theatre owners and film distributors have chosen on their own not to show Kamal Haasan's movie unless he says sorry.
'I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn't apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture," Tangadagi said.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said that no matter how famous someone is, speaking against Kannada, Kannadigas, or Karnataka's land and water will not be accepted. He added that Kamal Haasan must apologise, or else, as decided by the film chamber of commerce, his films will be banned.
'We will not allow it, if he doesn't apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn't apologise, we will take our decision," he added.
When asked if Kamal Haasan's films would be banned if he didn't apologise, Tangadagi replied, 'Yes."
Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is set to release on June 5.
First Published:
June 01, 2025, 10:12 IST
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