Thug Life and Vishwaroopam: Tale of two bans and Kamal Haasan's defiance
"I have been threatened before. If I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If not, I won't," said Kamal Haasan after his upcoming film, 'Thug Life', was banned in Karnataka over the actor's "Kannada was born out of Tamil" remark that angered pro-Kannada activists.For longtime followers of Kamal Haasan's career, this threat from Karnataka may seem small. For the actor has seen much bigger controversies. Remember when 'Vishwaroopam' faced a ban in Tamil Nadu in 2013? Remember when 'Vishwaroopam' faced a ban in Tamil Nadu in 2013? The actor had openly admitted that he would lose his assets if the film wasn't allowed to be released.advertisementAs Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' now faces a similar ban, though in Karnataka, let us take a look at the two instances when his films were banned for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a particular community.WHEN PROPERTIES AT STAKE: THE VISHWAROOPAM BAN
Kamal Haasan and controversies go hand in hand. He has seen as many controversies as the number of years in the Indian film industry. When we talk about Haasan and controversies, it is the 'Vishwaroopam' ban that probably springs back into our minds.'Vishwaroopam' was more than just a film for Kamal Haasan. Ahead of the film's release in 2013, it saw widespread protests from various Muslim organisations over the alleged misrepresentation of their community.The Tamil Nadu government, under J Jayalalithaa,, banned the film for two weeks, while it was released in neighbouring states. advertisementKamal Haasan, who was the director, producer, writer and actor of 'Vishwaroopam', was on the cusp of going bankrupt if the ban had continued in Tamil Nadu.An emotional Haasan, at a Mumbai event in January 2013, said, "If this happens again, I will seriously think of leaving India."He sought the court's help to lift the ban. Perhaps the most defining moment came a day before the verdict was pronounced. Hundreds of fans gathered outside Haasan's home in Alwarpet, Chennai. He, along with his team, stood on the sunshade of his home, giving the most emotional speech of his life."What I shared with you all was my sadness, not my anger. If you are all sad, share your sadness with me, not your anger. The Muslims among my fans are my brothers and yours too. Non-violence is the highest form of heroism. My Muslim brothers and other brothers should show our unity. Before the verdict arrives, if something untoward happens, it's a black mark for me. We do not want politics. You are the sons of this soil. It's your duty to protect this soil. As your elder brother, I'm saying, please go home silently. I am Tamilian. My profession is cinema. Till the time cinema lives, I will continue to entertain you all," said Haasan. advertisementIt was the reassurance that his fans needed. The ban on 'Vishwaroopam' was lifted, and the rest is history.THE KANNADA-TAMIL STORM: THE 'THUG LIFE' BANMay 24, 2025, marked the audio launch of 'Thug Life', a film that brought together the iconic 'Nayakan' duo - Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. At the audio launch, Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar was invited as the chief guest.Addressing the crowd and him, the 'Vikram actor said, "Actor Shiva Rajkumar is my family living in another state. That's why he is here. That's why when I started my speech, I said 'my life and my family is Tamil'. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that family.'Here's the video: Little did he know that his statement, a display of affection to Shivanna and Tamil, would snowball into a controversy of this magnitude. Pro-Kannada activists took exception to the statement, claiming that Kannada was born out of Sanskrit and tore the banners of 'Thug Life'. In Belagavi district, protests were organised near the INOX cinemas, followed by a pro-Kannada group.advertisementBut, Kamal Haasan remained firm in his stance. "What I said was said out of love and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything. Politicians are not qualified to talk about language. They don't have the qualifications to talk about it, including me. Let us leave all these very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts," he said during an event in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) stood in solidarity with the pro-Kannada groups and banned the film in the state after Haasan did not apologise. Speaking to the media in Chennai on Friday, Kamal Haasan said he would not apologise. "It is a democracy. I believe in the 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."Whether it was 'Vishwaroopam' in 2013 or 'Thug Life' today, Kamal Haasan's response remains consistent: unwavering conviction over convenient compromise. At 70, the actor-filmmaker continues to choose principles over profit, even when faced with potential financial ruin or state-wide bans.advertisementHis defiance seemingly stems from a deep-seated belief in artistic freedom and intellectual honesty. For Haasan, backing down isn't an option; standing tall is the only way forward.In an era of waning tolerances, though 12 years apart, it's Kamal Haasan's defiance that stands out. Unfazed, uncompromising.Then, for his passion project. Now, for a belief.Must Watch
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