Latest news with #KamalHaasan
Pink Villa
32 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Karnataka minister calls for ban on all Kamal Haasan films over his refusal to apologize in Kannada row
Kamal Haasan is set to hit the big screen on June 5, 2025, with his upcoming film, Thug Life. However, as the veteran actor faces backlash over his recent remark about the Kannada language, Karnataka's Minister of Culture has called for a complete ban on his films. As per Hindustan Times, Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi stated, 'I have written a letter. After that, the Film Chamber of Commerce also took a good decision and held a press meet yesterday, saying that if he doesn't apologize in two days, his film will be banned.' 'We will not allow his films to be released if he doesn't apologize. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn't apologize, we will take our decision,' he added. The minister also mentioned that he has requested actor Shiva Rajkumar to speak to Kamal Haasan about the issue. For context, the minister's remarks stem from Kamal Haasan's recent comments about the Kannada language during the Thug Life audio launch. At the event, the actor stated that Kannada was born out of Tamil, suggesting the two languages are like family—a claim that drew criticism from many in Karnataka. When later asked if he would apologize for the statement, Kamal Haasan responded, 'I have been threatened before. If I am wrong, I will apologize; if not, I won't. That's my lifestyle; please don't tamper with it.' Coming to Haasan's work front, the veteran Tamil cinema star is all set to return to the big screen with Thug Life, an action thriller that follows the story of Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker, a Yakuza-like gangster. Presumed dead, Rangaraya rises from the grave, suspecting his foster son, Amaran, of orchestrating his downfall. What unfolds is a deadly showdown between father and son, where only one can come out on top. With Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR as co-leads, the film features an ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Joju George, and several others in pivotal roles. Up next, Haasan is expected to headline KH237, a project helmed by the renowned action choreographer duo AnbArivu.
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kamal Haasan's effigy burnt in Bengaluru, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce threatens Thug Life release
Kamal Haasan's comment on the root of Kannada language has ignited a huge controversy. Associations like Kannada Rakshana Vedike and various politicians have demanded a public apology and threatened to ban the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka. Videos of members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike burning Kamal's effigy and posters in different parts of the state have also surfaced online. The controversy got even bigger when Kamal, at another event, refused to issue an apology and said, 'Love will never apologise. I will apologise only if I am wrong, if not, I will not.' #Bengaluru #Karnataka #kannadalanguage #Thuglife #KamalHaasan #Kannada — K MURALI KUMAR (@photomurali1) May 30, 2025 Kamal Haasan's 'no apology' statement irked minister Shivaraj Tangadagi as he immediately wrote to KFCC (Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce). In his letter, the minister wrote, '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.' While speaking to ANI, KFCC president M Narasimhalu said that people in Karnataka are upset with the veteran actor for his comment. He said, 'People of Karnataka are angry with Kamal Haasan. We have also sent a message to the South Film Chamber. The distributors have decided that if he does not apologise before the release of his film on the 5th, it will not be allowed to release here'. The backlash also extended to Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar as he was also present at the event. ALSO READ | Kamal Haasan: 'My love for Karnataka is true, won't apologise' The controversy intensified when Shiva Rajkumar spoke in Kamal Haasan's support. At another event he said, 'I am a huge fan of Kamal sir. People may ask why should I admire someone else when I have my own father (Dr Rajkumar) to look up to. My father is family while I have great respect for Kamal sir. I am inspired by him. Kamal sir knows what he has said, and he will give an appropriate response.' Shiva Rajkumar's statement angered many of his fans, who reached outside his home in protest. Visuals of people throwing stones outside his home have also surfaced online. ಇದು ಇದು actualy ಚನ್ನಾಗಿರೋದು 👏💥 ಕ್ಷಮೆ ಕೇಳಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ನೆಸ್ಟ್ ಮನೆಗೆ ನುಗ್ಗಿ ಹೊಡೀತೀವಿ Be careful ಶಿವಣ್ಣ🤫#Kfi #BanThugLifeInKarnataka #KamalHaasan #ShivaRajkumar #PuneethRajkumar #Kannada #ThugLife — ರವಿ ಬೆಳಗೆರೆ (@RaviBelagere_) May 31, 2025 Meanwhile, Kannada actor Ramya aka Divya Spandana also spoke about the issue and said that calling for a ban was an overreaction. She told NDTV, 'I think Kamal sir has made a factually incorrect statement. Kannada is not derived from Tamil. All South languages come under the same umbrella. Nobody is superior. But, having said that it is bit much boycotting his film. We are all adults and should engage in constructive conversation. We as South Indians have a bigger problem to deal with. We need to battle the Hindi imposition.' She added, 'Kamal sir should just say sorry and move on. However, I am against the ban. You can't force anyone to apologise.' Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is slated for a theatrical release on June 5.
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka bans Hookah bars, raises age for tobacco consumption to 21
The Karnataka government has notified a legislation that prohibits hookah bars, raises the legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21 years, and increases the fine for violations. The notification was issued on May 30, following the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024, receiving the assent of the President on May 23. The Act that prohibits the use of tobacco products in public places says, No person shall use tobacco products in any public place. It says, "use" means smoking and spitting of tobacco. Also Read | For first time in 125 years, Karnataka records highest rainfall in May: Siddaramaiah However, in a hotel having thirty rooms or a restaurant having a seating capacity of thirty persons or more, and in airports, a separate provision for a smoking area or space may be made, it added. Section 4A of the Act prohibits the opening or running of hookah bars. "No person shall either on his own or behalf of any other person shall open or run any hookah bar, in any place including the eating house or pub or bar or restaurant by whatever name it is called," it said. Also Read | Karnataka issues fresh Covid-19 guidelines for schools ahead of reopening. Check details here According to the Act, "hookah" bar means an establishment or place where people gather to smoke tobacco or other similar products from a communal hookah or narghile, which is provided individually. Regarding punishment for running hookah bar, the Act says, whoever contravenes the provisions of section 4A, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but may extend up to one lakh rupees. The act prohibits the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products to a person below the age of twenty-one years in a particular area. Also Read | 'All Kamal Haasan films to be banned in Karnataka', says minister after actor refuses to apologise on Kannada remark row "No person shall sell, offer for sale or permit the sale of cigarettes or any other tobacco products to any person who is under the age of twenty-one years. It cannot be sold in an area within a radius of one hundred meters of any educational institution; and it cannot be sold in loose or in single sticks," it said. Under Sections 21, 24 and 28 of the Act, the fine for smoking in a public place and for the sale of tobacco to people aged 21 and below has been increased from ₹200 to ₹1,000.
The Star
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kamal Haasan is open to filming in M'sia as he arrives in KL to promote new film
Kamal Haasan is happy to present his latest movie 'Thug Life' to his Malaysian fans. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star Indian actor and politician Kamal Haasan is in Kuala Lumpur today (May 31) to promote his latest movie, Thug Life , which is set to hit cinemas on June 5. Speaking to the media at a hotel in KL earlier this afternoon, the 70-year-old described the film as 'a treat' he has prepared for his Malaysian fans. 'We worked hard on this 'child,' which I am now handing over to you,' he said. Thug Life reunites Kamal with director Mani Ratnam after 38 years. Their last collaboration was the 1987 classic Nayakan . Indian media has dubbed Thug Life a 'spiritual sequel' to that film, after Kamal said it was a peace offering to fans who have long awaited their reunion. Co-written by Kamal and Mani, Thug Life is set in the criminal underworld, where brothers Sakthivel and Manickam rule. But things begin to shift when one of them rescues a young boy – triggering insecurity in the other. When an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel, he sets out to destroy the very family he once built. The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan and Joju George. The award-winning actor – whose notable works include Hey Ram , Indian , Vikram and Vishwaroopam – said his character in Thug Life is someone who fights with everything he has. 'That makes him more dangerous than someone with a sword – because he is someone who has nothing to go back to. The battlefield is his home now. He'll see the battle through to the end, live or die,' Kamal said. When asked whether he'd be interested in filming in Malaysia again, Kamal shared that he has shot scenes here in the past and is open to doing so in the future. 'I've come here many times. I have many friends in Malaysia. And I think we share more than just culture and language,' he added. Besides the press conference, Kamal is also scheduled to make a special appearance at a fan meet-and-greet at MyTown Kuala Lumpur later this evening. Kamal Haasan arrives at the press conference to promote 'Thug Life'. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star.
Pink Villa
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kamal Haasan appeals to slash ticket prices in Tamil Nadu ahead of Thug Life's release
Kamal Haasan seems to be leaving no stone unturned ahead of the release of his film Thug Life. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the gangster action drama has justified all the hype among fans and across social media. And now the senior Tamil actor has taken a surprising step ahead of the big theatrical launch of his film. Kamal Haasan appeals for reduced ticket prices in Tamil Nadu After an appeal made by Kamal Haasan regarding the high ticket prices for theaters in Tamil Nadu, the state government has now slashed the LBET (Local Bodies Entertainment Tax) from 8.6 percent to 4. This order will be applied way ahead of Thug Life's theatrical release and so the action thriller might face the expected impact of this move. More footfall of audiences will be marked in the theaters now. Why did Kamal Haasan appeal for a reduction of ticket prices? Kamal Haasan pleaded for the reduction of heavy taxes and thereby the cost of theater tickets, owing to the financial struggles faced by the Tamil film industry in recent times, especially post the Covid-19 pandemic. The fact that the change was brought about right ahead of Thug Life's release indicates the chances of it bringing better luck for the film's first impression among audiences. More about Thug Life Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan collaborated for the second time after their film Nayakan back in the day. Actors like Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and more are a part of the movie. Thug Life has a total run time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and has only a few cuss words dropped by the CBFC. The storyline of the film revolves around Sakthivel, who is presumed dead. However, he makes an astonishing comeback, with vengeance against his brother and foster son, who were responsible for planning to murder him in the first place.
