Kamal Haasan Moves High Court As Thug Life Faces Ban In Karnataka Over Kannada Remarks
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Kamal Haasan's 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' comment triggers backlash. Karnataka Film Chamber threatens to block Thug Life release unless he apologises.
Kamal Haasan has landed in hot water after a comment he made about the origins of the Kannada language triggered widespread criticism. Now, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has issued a stern warning: unless the veteran actor apologises, his upcoming film Thug Life may not hit screens in the state. Meanwhile, a plea has been filed before the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to ensure that the film is allowed to be screened in Karnataka without any disturbance.
Chamber president M Narasimhalu stated that the controversy has moved beyond cinema. 'If he doesn't apologise, Thug Life won't run in Karnataka. This is for sure, this is not about the industry, this is about the state," he said, adding, 'Even political parties are opposing, pro-Kannada organisations are making it clear that he has to respond. The movie's release is difficult without his apology. Our exhibitors or distributors are not ready to screen it. How can the movie release here?"
The uproar began during a promotional event for Thug Life, which stars Kamal Haasan alongside Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR. While speaking about the cultural and linguistic links of South India, Haasan remarked that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil". The statement was met with sharp criticism across political lines.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded strongly, saying that Kannada has its own rich history and that Mr Haasan 'doesn't know about it".
Echoing the sentiment, BJP state president BY Vijayendra demanded an apology from the actor. 'One must love their mother tongue, but flaunting arrogance in its name is a mark of cultural bankruptcy. Especially for artists, it is essential to possess the ethos of respecting every language," he said. Vijayendra also pointed out that while Haasan has acted in films across languages, including Kannada, his statement reflected 'blatant arrogance".
Several Kannada groups and language activists have also joined the chorus, urging the actor to retract his statement and apologise publicly.
The controversy now casts a shadow over the theatrical release of Thug Life in Karnataka, with exhibitors hesitant to proceed without a resolution.
What is the Kamal Haasan controversy?
Kamal Haasan's statement on Kannada-Tamil didn't go down well with pro-Kannada organisations in Karnataka. However, the South megastar has refused to back down. In a statement, he said, 'It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not, I won't."
Several Kannada groups and language activists have also joined the chorus, urging the actor to retract his statement and apologise publicly.
First Published:
June 02, 2025, 14:33 IST
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