Ban Kamal Haasan's films in Karnataka if he doesn't apologise for remarks, minister Shivaraj Tangadagi writes to Kannada film body
The Karnataka Government has sought to stop the release of films starring Kamal Haasan in the state unless the actor-politician apologises for his recent remarks on the origin of the Kannada language. The actor's latest film, Thug Life, is due for release in theatres on June 5.
The controversy began during the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai on May 24 when Kamal Haasan said, 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada.' Following the comment, several pro-Kannada organisations took to the streets in cities like Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi, and Mysuru, expressing outrage and demanding an apology.
Writing to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Thursday, Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi stated, '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.'
In his letter, Tangadadi said that despite the actor's huge stature, the people of Karnataka cannot tolerate his remarks on their land, water and language. 'Therefore, Kamal Haasan should immediately apologise to Kannadigas,' he added.
'His speech about the Kannada language has deeply hurt me…and the sentiments of Kannadigas. Kamal Haasan is a senior actor who has acted in many Kannada language films and is knowledgeable about the language. It does not bring him any credit to speak in this manner,' the minister said in his letter.
KFCC has given the Tamil superstar two days to apologise before they facilitate the release of his film in Karnataka next week.
Following the actor's controversial remark, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that Kannada has a long and well-documented history. 'Poor Kamal Haasan, he is simply unaware of it,' he added.
Clarifying his remarks later, Kamal Haasan said in Chennai that his comments on Kannada were said out of love and that 'love never apologises'. The actor stated, 'I think what I said was said with a lot of love. Historians have taught me the language's history… I didn't mean anything.'
Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra, meanwhile, accused Haasan of 'disrespecting Kannada to glorify his own mother tongue' and demanded an unconditional apology. 'Artists should embody the culture of respecting all languages,' he posted on social media.
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