Latest news with #Kannada
Mint
21 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
'Thug Life wont release in Karnataka without Kamal Haasans apology,' says KFCC President
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 31 (ANI): Actor Kamal Haasan's upcoming film, Thug Life, is facing trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology. While speaking to ANI, KFCC president M. Narasimhalu said that people in Karnataka are upset with Haasan for his comment that "Kannada is born out of Tamil," which he reportedly made during a promotional event in Chennai. Narasimhalu added that if the actor does not "apologise" before the movie's slated release, it will not be allowed to screen in Karnataka. "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..." he said. The controversy has led to several protests in Karnataka by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations. In response to the growing backlash, Hassan stood by his statement, saying he believes in law and democracy. Terming India a "democratic country," the actor stated that he wouldn't "apologise" to anyone for his actions if he is "not wrong." Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people. Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai on Friday, Haasan said, "It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Nobody will doubt 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." Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles. (ANI)
NDTV
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Hey Ram, Vishwaroopam, Thug Life: Why Kamal Haasan, In His Words, Keeps "Walking Into Trouble"
New Delhi: Kamal Haasan is unwilling to apologise for his controversial comments on how Kannada was derived from his mother tongue Tamil. The language row, which continues to be an undercurrent issue in the country, doesn't seem to be nearing its end. He is playing a thug in Thug Life, whose release appears to be in limbo, at least in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Thursday threatened to ban the film over his comments. The much anticipated Tamil film is more than a prestige project, it's a homecoming too. It reunites him with his Nayakan director Mani Ratnam after almost 40 years. But Haasan is no stranger to controversy. He was criticised for one of his earlier films, Thevar Magan, in 1992 for allegedly equating violence with the Thevar community. It went to earn five National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Tamil. His superhit 2004 movie Virumaandi was also caught in the crosshairs with political parties over its previous title 'Sandiyar' which Dr K Krishnasamy, leader of Pudhiya Tamizhagam, believed was allegedly derogatory and would encourage caste-related violence. Dasavathaaram (2008) also angered Hindu groups for hurting sentiments. Years later came the first part of Vishwaroopam. Written, directed by, and starring Haasan, the movie was the subject of multiple controversies. The release of the 2013 film was stalled, even faced a two-week ban despite CBFC approval, in Tamil Nadu citing potential law and order issues and its alleged anti-Muslim content. After several Muslims groups protested against the film, the actor had organised a special film screening for them. After a two week-long standoff between the actor and the Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court lifted the ban on the film by allowing it to release on February 7, 2013, days after it already released in other states. If you think Haasan would have appeased the majority by othering the minority, think again. Members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, a right-wing organisation, had also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the actor for his alleged derogatory remarks on Hindus and the epic Mahabharata. In an interview with a Tamil channel, as quoted by The Indian Express, Haasan had said, "In Mahabharata, Panchali was used as a pawn while the men gambled... She was used as a collateral and India is a country that respects and honours a book that revolves around men using a woman to gamble away as if she was a mere object." Eventually, the dust settled and the odds turned out to be in Haasan's favour. The film grossed Rs 220 crore in reported earnings. It won two awards in Best Art Direction and Best Choreography at the 60th National Film Awards in 2013. Four years later, he once again rubbed the ring-wing organisations the wrong way. In an article for Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, Haasan accused Hindu groups of converting state festivals into a muscle flexing activity. "There is Hindu extremism in Tamil Nadu, and you cannot say there is no Hindu terror," he wrote. BJP party spokesperson Narayanan Tirupati said Haasan should steer clear of making sweeping statements and instead speak on corruption in the film industry. Then again in 2019, Haasan invited the ire of Hindu nationalists when he said " independent India's first extremist was a Hindu". The actor, whose political party Makkal Needhi Maiyam made its debut in the 2019 general elections, defended his remarks, stating he only spoke about what was a "historic truth". Years before he sparked controversy with his comments referring to Nathuram Godse, Haasan was called out by various political parties for his revisionist period drama film Hey Ram for an alleged negative depiction of Gandhi and certain lines spoken by him. In the movie, also starring Haasan and directed by him, Haasan played a man called Saket Ram who is tasked with killing Gandhi but ultimately chooses not to. In his defence, Haasan spoke about using artistic liberty with the film after facing allegations of hurting people's sentiments. Even then, Haasan, the multihyphenate that he is, possessed the ability to smell trouble. "I keep walking into trouble. But I sleep peacefully with myself. That's my problem. I can't keep my conscience aside. This fellow wakes me up each night to ask me questions. Sometimes I don't have the right answers. I end up looking sheepish in front of him," he said in an interview to Subhash K Jha. The actor has often blended cinema and politics, so much so that he ended up taking the political plunge. He might be in the middle of a controversy right now but according to his track record, he has managed to wiggle out of prickly situations. June 5, 2025 is the release day of Thug Life, on which Haasan is a co-producer with Ratnam and Udayanidhi Stalin of Red Giant Pictures. The actor and filmmaker have been criticised for his kiss with much younger actor Abhirami and a suggestive dialogue he says to Trisha's character in the film's trailer. Haasan's comments have landed him and his film in trouble once again but let's not forget, he has also invested money in the film. The creative multihyphenate is also a sharp entreprenuer. He won't let his money, time, and efforts go waste.
News18
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Karnataka Minister BANS Kamal Haasan After He Refuses To Apologise For Kannada Remark
Last Updated: Kamal Haasan's comment that 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada' has caused controversy. Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi threatens to ban his films unless he apologises. Kamal Haasan recently responded to the controversy over his remark that 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada" at a Thug Life event. The South superstar firmly stated that he would apologise only if he believed he was wrong. As the controversy grew, he also urged people not to 'tamper" with his way of life. Post that, Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi stated that Kamal Haasan's films would be banned in the state if the actor does not apologise for his remarks about the Kannada language. He added that this decision was made by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). In the meantime, KFCC president M Narasimhalu shared that theatre owners and film distributors have chosen on their own not to show Kamal Haasan's movie unless he says sorry. On Thursday, the KFCC announced that Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life will not be allowed to release in Karnataka unless he publicly apologises by May 30 for his controversial comment about the Kannada language. 'I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn't apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture," Tangadagi said. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said that no matter how famous someone is, speaking against Kannada, Kannadigas, or Karnataka's land and water will not be accepted. He added that Kamal Haasan must apologise, or else, as decided by the film chamber of commerce, his films will be banned. 'We will not allow it, if he doesn't apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn't apologise, we will take our decision," he added. When asked if Kamal Haasan's films would be banned if he didn't apologise, Tangadagi replied, 'Yes." When asked about actor Shivarajkumar's reaction to the controversy, the minister said he has requested the Kannada star to discuss the matter directly with Kamal Haasan. 'I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage yesterday. Dr Rajkumar (Shivrajkumar's father and Kannada thespian) and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaiga's have also nurtured them. As a senior actor you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it. Let Shivarajkumar or another senior actor speak to him," he said. Speaking to reporters separately, Narasimhalu said that if Haasan doesn't apologise, the exhibitors and distributors have chosen to support the Kannadigas by not showing his films. He added, 'The industry stands with Kannada groups and the people." Kannada organisations are angry about his statement and want his movies to be stopped from releasing here. 'Political leaders, both from the government and the opposition, have also spoken against his comment. We are not taking any legal action, but the exhibitors and distributors have decided on their own not to show his movie and will choose to screen other films instead. We are not ordering a ban or saying not to release the film," he said. Narasimhalu said that the KFCC is communicating with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and its president, Ravi Kottarakara, is also in contact with Kamal Haasan. He added that the actor might be refusing to apologise for political reasons, but they hope to get a clear answer within a day or two. 'During such incidents, star actors in the past have apologised, such things have happened, nothing new," he added. Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan stood firm and refused to apologise again. He said he trusts in law and justice and insisted that his affection for Karnataka is sincere and true. 'If I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If I'm not, I won't. This is my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it," the Nayakan actor told India Today. He added, 'India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice." The 70-year-old actor's response came after Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada group, filed a complaint against him with Bengaluru Police on Wednesday. The organisation, led by Praveen Shetty, has also requested an FIR be registered against the actor-politician for his remark. They submitted the complaint at the RT Nagar police station, demanding legal action. Meanwhile, the police have yet to register an FIR related to the issue. A senior police officer told news agency PTI, 'We have received a complaint, but no FIR has been registered yet. We are seeking legal advice and will take further action accordingly." The actor's comments have ignited outrage among several pro-Kannada groups, leading to protests against Haasan in various parts of the state, including Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru. First Published:
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
'All Kamal Haasan films to be banned in Karnataka', says minister after actor refuses to apologise on Kannada remark row
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi on Friday made it clear that actor Kamal Haasan's films will be "banned" in the state, as decided by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), if he does not apologise for his remarks about the Kannada language. Meanwhile, KFCC president M Narasimhalu said exhibitors and distributors themselves have voluntarily decided not to screen his movie if he doesn't apologise. KFCC on Thursday said that it will not allow the release of Haasan's film Thug Life in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language. Actor-politician Haasan's recent statement claiming that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a promotional event for his upcoming film has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations. "I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn't apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture," Tangadagi said. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said that irrespective of how big the person is, who has spoken against -- Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka's land and water -- it will not be tolerated. Haasan has to apologise, if not as decided by the film chamber of commerce, his films will be banned. "We will not allow it, if he doesn't apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn't apologise, we will take our decision," he added. Asked if his films will be banned in case an apology doesn't come, Tangadagi responded, "Yes". Responding to a question on actor Shivarajkumar's response to the controversy, the minister said he has asked the Kannada star to talk about it with Haasan. "I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage yesterday. Dr Rajkumar (Shivrajkumar's father and Kannada thespian) and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaiga's have also nurtured them. As a senior actor you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it. Let Shivarajkumar or another senior actor speak to him," he said. Further pointing at a controversy involving singer Sonu Nigam on Kannada issue, he said if actors from other languages come and speak about Kannada, should we tolerate it? "It cannot be tolerated. I support the stand taken by the film chamber of commerce. The government is with them on this matter." To a question on reported statements by some actors against the move to obstruct Haasan's movie, Tangadagi asked, "...should we keep hearing such comments about Kannada? We want to see Kamal Haasan as an actor, but not as an actor limited to one language, because he has acted in all languages. Respecting actors is our duty, but when it comes to language, whoever it is-- language is first, rest all later. So there is no question of compromise." Speaking to reporters separately, Narasimhalu said if Haasan doesn't apologise, exhibitors and distributors have decided not to go against Kannadigas. "The industry is with Kannada organisations and the people." Kannada organisations have expressed anger over his statement. There is demand that his movies should not be released here. "Political leaders have also condemned his statement-- whether those in the government or those from the opposition. We are not taking any action legally, but the exhibitors and distributors themselves are saying that they will not screen the movie and will screen other films. They have taken the decision by themselves. We are not saying don't release or ban," he said. Stating that KFCC is in touch with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and its president Ravi Kottarakara is in touch with Haasan, Narasimhalu said the actor may be adamant on not apologising due to political reasons, but hope that there is a clarity in one or two days. "During such incidents, star actors in the past have apologised, such things have happened, nothing new," he added. Meanwhile, in Chennai, Haasan, yet again, declined to apologise and said he believed in law and justice and his love for Karnataka was true. He claimed that the alleged warning by pro-Kannada groups threatening to boycott his film if does not apologise for his remark, was not new and that he had been threatened in the past.
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
I won't apologise if I am not wrong, says Kamal Haasan
Chennai: Actor Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise for his remark on the Kannada language that sparked a controversy in Karnataka, asserting that he would not apologise if he was not wrong. The statement was made while promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, which is now facing a possible release ban in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Friday,Kamal Haasan said, 'I will apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won't apologise. It's my lifestyle, please don't tamper with that.' He added that his comments were not intended to hurt anyone and reiterated his respect for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The controversy erupted following the audio launch of Thug Life, where Kamal Haasan said, 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada.' The remark drew sharp criticism from pro-Kannada groups, who accused the actor of belittling Kannada and hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas. Protests have since erupted across Karnataka, with some activists threatening to block the release of the film. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has since demanded an apology from the actor within two days, warning that Thug Life, scheduled for release on June 5, may not be allowed to hit theatres in the state otherwise. Kamal Haasan responded to the threats by saying, 'I have been threatened before. This is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice.' Despite attempts at damage control, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with several pro-Kannada organisations calling for a boycott of the film. The actor has previously said that his statement was made 'out of love' for the Kannada language and was not meant to provoke.
