Latest news with #Jala
Hans India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A controversy that could well have been avoided
For reasons fair or foul, there have been many skirmishes and flashpoints between the two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over nearly seven decades since both were carved out as independent states. While justifications from both sides abound for each of the incidents that stirred passions, created riotous situations and severely created law and order problems in both the neighbouring zones, there seems to be no stopping fresh troubles that seem to be breaking out ad nauseam. Ever since Tamil top star Kamal Haasan, known for his typical intellectual surmises on all things under the sun said 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' at a function in Chennai, it set off a furore in Karnataka. Like a typical cinema narrative, the usual villains did the usual things and kept the political temperature up. The hero, however, much like the film 'Thug Life' in which he is seen endorsing in many parts of the world, refused to accept that he had overstepped in this case and could have well been discreet with such matters in public domain. Quite clearly, all the players in this drama know that Haasan is using the oldest trick in the book of any publicity being good publicity in the cinema circles. With Tamil cinema market being the biggest across south India, with almost all states running its films in many prominent cities of the peninsula, it is incomprehensible why the Chennai actor refused to see reason. The latest is that the film is not likely to get a release in Karnataka, the biggest market after Tamil Nadu. Haasan has informed the High Court that he would not release his film on the earlier announced date for his Kannada fans to watch him in action. Interestingly, what Judge Nagaprasanna said, while adjourning the case, deserves mention. As a news agency report wrote: 'The judge further questioned Haasan's authority to make such claims, asking, 'Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another.' He added, 'A single apology could have resolved the situation.' Justice Nagaprasanna stressed the importance of respecting cultural sensitivities and remarked, 'Water, land, and language — Jala, Nela, Bashe — are sacred to the people'. Adding further, the judge had pointed out that an illustrious person like C. Rajagopalachari had issued a similar statement in 1950 about the origins of the Kannada language and later apologised following protests, even though there was no commercial motive. 'If such a big person can apologise, and a similar statement has been issued after 75 years, and there is a commercial motive...' the court observed. Surely, the matter is not going to end here. If Haasan has won the battle for the moment, by the time the case comes up for hearing again a week from now, the public would know who has won the war. Not to be missed is the cool-headed handling of the controversy by the Congress government, which has flayed the hero for his observations, but in an even-tempered tone kept the socio- political pot from boiling over. After all, there is a hyperactive BJP waiting and watching.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru unites at BGS Ground as RCB fever grips city during IPL final with PBKS
While the IPL final showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings unfolded hundreds of kilometres away in Ahmedabad, a sea of passionate fans transformed Bengaluru's BGS Ground in Vijayanagar into a roaring stadium of its own. As the city's home team fought for their maiden title in 18 seasons, the atmosphere at BGS was nothing short of electric. Also Read - 'Inspired from politicians': Bengaluru film director promises 111 free pressure cookers if RCB wins IPL The massive ground, usually known for cultural events and gatherings, was decked out with large screens, powerful lighting rigs, and dedicated fan zones to host the thousands who came together to catch the final match live. The match may have been out of town, but for Bengaluru's cricket lovers, this ground became the spiritual home of RCB for one night. From the very first over of the match, especially during RCB's batting in the first innings, the crowd erupted in deafening cheers with every boundary and six. Groups of fans waved flags, wore team jerseys, painted their faces, and even lit up flares as they chanted slogans in support of Virat Kohli and the squad. Many of them had travelled across the city just to soak in the communal experience of watching the high-stakes clash with fellow supporters. Social media was buzzing with posts from the venue. One user on X wrote, 'This is how we RCB! We fans are all set and waiting to watch the match live at BGS Ground, Bengaluru!' Another shared a video of the jubilant crowd and captioned it, 'RCB craze in Vijayanagar BGS ground,' showcasing the electrifying atmosphere on-site. Also Read - 'Jala, Nele, Basha': What Karnataka High Court told Kamal Haasan on 'Kannada born from Tamil' row? The match screening drew people from all walks of life — students, office-goers, families, and senior citizens — united by their undying love for the red and gold. Makeshift food stalls and merchandise counters were also set up around the venue, making it feel like a full-fledged fan fest. Amid the charged mood, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also joined in the excitement. Sharing a photo of himself watching the match, he posted on X, 'In the heart of a historic match,' extending his support to the home team and reflecting the mood of the entire state.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments': Kamal Haasan faces court heat; Top quotes
Kamal Haasan NEW DELHI: The Karnataka high court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing in a petition filed by Raajkamal Films International—producers of the Kamal Haasan-starrer 'Thug Life,' seeking police protection for the film's release in the state. The film landed in controversy after Kamal Haasan's remark that "Kannada is born out of Tamil." The hearing, which witnessed strong remarks from Justice M Nagaprasanna, has now been posted for June 10. This came after the court was informed that Kamal Haasan had written to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), saying that the film will not release in the state until the ongoing dispute is resolved through dialogue. Here are the top quotes: Justice M Nagaprasanna minced no words while addressing the controversy triggered by Haasan's 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' comment. Drawing historical parallels, he asked why Haasan couldn't issue an apology, pointing out that even prominent leaders and film icons had done so in the past. "You (Kamal Haasan) have no right to hurt the sentiments. In this country, Jala (water), Nela (land), and Bhashe (language) are dear to people. What did the people of Karnataka ask for? An apology? There is no apology or an explanation. It is all a circumstance created by Kamal Haasan," the judge told the counsel for the petitioner. Justice Nagaprasanna invoked the example of C Rajagopalachari, who had made a contentious statement in 1950 but later publicly apologised. He questioned Kamal Haasan's reluctance to take similar responsibility. "Are you a historian, a linguist? On what basis did you speak? If Rajagopalachari could tender a public apology 75 years ago, why can't you (Kamal Haasan)? For your commercial interest, you have approached this court seeking police protection for a situation created by you," he said. The judge emphasised the emotional and cultural significance of language, particularly Kannada, and cautioned against the misuse of freedom of expression. "Language is a sentiment attached to the land of people. Kannada is a strong language and doesn't wither by such statements. Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments," he added. In a pointed comparison, Justice Nagaprasanna recalled how actor Rajinikanth had issued a public apology during the release of Kaala over his remarks on the Cauvery water issue. Kamal Haasan's clarification Responding to the backlash, Kamal Haasan sent a letter to the KFCC, clarifying that his remarks were misconstrued and meant as a tribute to Kannada cinema icon Dr Rajkumar's family. "It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch – spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family – has been misunderstood and taken out of context," he wrote. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Haasan asserted his respect for the Kannada language and reiterated his belief in unity through cinema. "Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam – and all languages of this land – is abiding and heartfelt." Haasan further added that cinema speaks a 'universal language' rooted in love and bonding, expressing regret that his colleague Shiva Rajkumar had to face embarrassment due to the controversy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Are you a historian?': Karnataka HC slams Kamal Haasan over Kannada-Tamil remark; says Jala, Nela, Bashe are sacred to people
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday strongly criticised actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan for his recent remark suggesting that "Kannada was born out of Tamil." The court said that the comment had hurt the feelings of many people in Karnataka and asked why Haasan could not simply apologise. Justice M Nagaprasanna , who was hearing the case, said that language is a deep part of a person's cultural and emotional identity. He questioned Haasan's right to make such a claim, asking, 'Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born from another. One simple apology could have sorted out the matter.' Haasan made the comment at a promotional event in Chennai for his upcoming Tamil film Thug Life. The statement led to backlash in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) later said the movie would not be shown in the state unless Haasan apologised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Registro para la lotería de la Green Card 2026! Global USA Solicita ahora Undo In response, Haasan's production company, Raajkamal Films International , went to the High Court seeking protection for the film's release. Justice Nagaprasanna reminded everyone that things like water, land, and language, 'Jala, Nela, Bashe', are very important to people. He said the country's states were also created based on language. 'No citizen has the right to hurt people's sentiments,' the judge added. Live Events The court also pointed out that even C Rajagopalachari had once made a similar statement, but he later apologised. 'If Rajagopalachari could apologise 75 years ago, why can't you? You're asking the court for police protection for a problem you created,' the judge said. The production company claimed Haasan's words were taken out of context and were not meant to upset anyone. They also said Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar , who was present at the event, supported Haasan and confirmed that the actor has always respected Karnataka and its people. Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the film company, told the court that Haasan's remark wasn't "drastically wrong" and asked that the film be allowed to release without issues. The film team also asked for protection from the government to ensure safety for the cast, crew, cinema halls, and viewers. But the judge criticised the attitude of the filmmakers. 'You want to earn crores from Karnataka but won't apologise? Even ordinary citizens get punished for such comments. What makes you different?' he asked. While saying the court would pass an order according to law, Justice Nagaprasanna still advised Haasan to think about offering an apology to calm the situation. The hearing was postponed till 2.30 pm. 'You've created unrest with your comment. Think about it. If you still stand by your words, we'll pass an order accordingly,' the judge said. Inputs from PTI
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘All's well that ends well': Karnataka HC nudges Kamal Haasan to express regret over Tamil-Kannada remarks
The Karnataka High Court Tuesday suggested that film actor Kamal Haasan should express regret if sentiments of people in Karnataka had been hurt by his recent remarks on the origin of the Kannada language during the audio release of his new film, Thug Life, which is scheduled for release on June 5. A single-judge bench of the Karnataka HC suggested this while hearing a plea filed by Raajkamal Film Ventures, the film production house run by Kamal Haasan, for police protection for the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, where Kannada activists and the Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi have sought an apology from the actor. The plea hearing was passed over to the afternoon session after the counsel for the production house sought time to place the High Court's suggestion before the actor-producer. With Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinappa representing the petitioner, the bench raised several questions regarding the actor's statement and whether he would apologise. Chinappa stated, 'Quite clearly, the release of the movie cannot be stopped… Neither KFCC nor the Karnataka Government can stop it. Another superstar of Kannada cinema, Mr Shiv Rajkumar, was present in the audience, and a statement was made welcoming him… That statement can't be taken outside as if there was some intention to say something against Kannada.' Noting that the reply made by Kamal Haasan afterwards (also submitted in the court) was not an apology, the bench observed, 'A citizen has no right to hurt the sentiments of the masses. People are very emotional about three things – Jala, Nela, and Bhashe (water, land, and language)… The division of the country into states was on linguistic lines. If a public figure makes a statement… What has happened because of that? Unrest, disharmony… What did the people of Karnataka ask – to apologise. Now, you have come before this court seeking police protection in the circumstances created by you.' During the argument, Justice M Nagaprasanna said the last Governor General of India, C Rajagopalachari, remarked in 1950 that Kannada was born out of Tamil, but later apologised after being corrected by Kannada writers. 'It may not be drastically wrong. But what is it that is making you stick to your guns, saying that I will not utter a word of apology? All that is required to be said is that I have hurt the sentiments. All's well that ends well,' Justice Nagaprasanna said to the counsel for Kamal Haasan. 'Now you want your film to run smoothly in a state where sentiments are hurt. If you are not so bothered, why do you want the film to run in Karnataka – leave it. Fundamental right of speech, freedom of expression are alright, but freedom of expression cannot be stretched to the extent of hurting someone's sentiments, of the mass in particular,' Justice Nagaprasanna said. 'All he needs to say is the context in which he has spoken, and that it is not to hurt anyone's statements and if it has … Discretion is the best part of valour. That is all there is. We will not let the sentiments of anyone be taken for a ride like this by a public figure in a public forum. Mistakes happen, and we are not here for confessions. When mistakes happen, you should know what to do,' Justice Nagaprasanna said. The counsel for Kamal Haasan argued that Haasan's statement was taken out of context. 'It was not a seminar on Kannada on Tamil language. It was taken out of context. Our intention is to defuse the situation,' the counsel said. 'I am only saying that a person creates a circumstance, and the circumstance only results in disharmony and likely unrest. If you are aware of the consequences, then you should say it. He is also a citizen of the nation. You are letting it go beyond control, and it is your film,' Justice Nagaprasanna pointed out. 'The division of this country was on linguistic lines. So, language is important. In terms of law, we will consider. That is a different thing. But, no person can undermine the sentiment of the people of Karnataka as you have done now, saying your language is born to that or Tamil language is the mother of Kannada language. On what basis? Are you a historian or are you a linguist?' asked Justice Nagaprasanna. 'It is in the public domain that C Rajagopalachari in 1950 made a similar sort of statement. At that time, Hampanna wrote a letter to C Rajagopalachari, and he immediately issued a public apology that his statement was wrong. Now, 75 years later, the same statement is made. C Rajagopalachari had apologised,' Justice Nagaprasanna stated. 'I saw a paragraph here saying that for the first time, so many things are happening. A ₹ 300 crore film has been made, and that after Nayakan, this is the first movie of Manirathnam and Kamal Haasan together. You know the importance, but cannot make a statement,' he said. The producers of Thug Life moved the Karnataka High Court, seeking protection to ensure the smooth release of the film in the state after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce stated that the film would not be allowed a release in the state until Kamal Haasan apologises for a statement he made about Kannada. In the writ petition filed before the high court, Raaj Kamal Films International said the comment was only made to express cultural solidarity, and had been selectively quoted afterwards. It also expressed apprehension that the police were unlikely to extend protection to those associated with the film, and the audience upon release. The petition submitted that the film had obtained the relevant certifications and any ban on it would interfere with the fundamental right 'to carry on…business' under Article 19 of the Constitution as well as the rights of the audience to watch the film. Once the certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was obtained, the petitioner would be entitled to peacefully exhibit the film, and any steps taken to obstruct the release would be illegal and a challenge to CBFC's authority. It also stated that a ban on the film would cause crores in loss, and that irreparable harm might occur if interim relief was not granted to Raaj Kamal Films in the matter. The petition requested that the court issue a writ of mandamus restraining any measures against the film's release. The plea also sought a direction to the state police to provide security to those associated with the film, the audience, and film exhibits on the day of release and subsequent screening. It requested that the KFCC be restrained from giving any orders related to a ban on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka. Earlier, after pro-Kannada organisations staged protests in cities including Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi, and Mysuru, demanding an apology, Haasan clarified in Chennai that his remarks stemmed from 'love' for the language. '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,' he said. Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture Tangadagi wrote to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on May 29, urging that all films featuring Haasan be banned in Karnataka if he failed to apologise. 'Despite the actor's stature, the people of Karnataka cannot tolerate his remarks on their land, water, and language,' Tangadagi said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in, asserting that Kannada has a long and well-documented history. 'Poor Kamal Haasan, he is simply unaware of it,' he remarked. Karnataka BJP state president B Y Vijayendra accused Haasan of 'disrespecting Kannada to glorify his own mother tongue,' calling for an unconditional apology. 'Artists should embody the culture of respecting all languages,' he posted on social media.
