Latest news with #Kannada-Tamil
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Decoding the Kamal-Kannada episode
Actor Kamal Haasan's remark that 'Kannada was born from Tamil' has sparked several debates. But this is not a new idea; it has existed within the Tamil discourse for two centuries. Robert Caldwell and other linguists have said Dravidian languages branched off from a shared language, termed Proto-Dravidian. However, Tamil nationalists have never accepted this view. They have claimed that all Dravidian languages are offshoots of Tamil. At its peak, this belief extended to proclaiming that Tamil is the world's first language and that all other world languages were born from it. The more acceptable idea Even today, these two schools of thought continue to thrive in the Tamil intellectual space. The idea of a Proto-Dravidian language has gained traction beyond Tamil Nadu. In contrast, the notion that Tamil is the source of all languages has little traction or acceptance outside. We now live at a time when awareness around linguistic dominance has grown politically in India's multilingual context. Every national group tends to hold its language as the primary marker of its identity. Any idea or action that is perceived as one that diminishes their linguistic pride often invites a fierce backlash. In such a climate, it is more appropriate on public platforms to affirm the idea that all Dravidian languages emerged from a common Proto-Dravidian root. Culturally and politically, this view fosters harmony and equality. To say other languages came from Tamil can easily be perceived by others as demeaning to their language and identity. They may see such a claim as a form of dominance imposed on them. For Tamil nationalists, who mix ancestral pride with political messaging, such assertions may help construct a narrative of ancient greatness. But beyond that, in contemporary politics, this view only serves to isolate Tamil Nadu. Without strong, widely accepted academic evidence, there is no need to insist that Tamil is the source of all languages. "I won't apologize if I am not wrong" Kamal Haasan on Kannada-Tamil controversy The classical attributes of Tamil — its antiquity, literary richness, and unbroken literary tradition — are well known to other language communities and to the world at large. Merely presenting these strengths is enough to bring honour to Tamil. Even when compared with modern literature of any Indian language, Tamil literature stands equal, if not superior. What we need are conscious efforts to take this richness of Tamil to a wider world. In 2022, Hindi writer Geetanjali Shree won the International Booker Prize. This year, Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq received the same honour. Tamil, too, deserves to be taken to such global heights. What we need is a sustained cultural effort in that direction — not the unproductive habit of making provocative statements that alienate speakers of other languages. When Mr. Haasan said 'Kannada was born from Tamil,' his intent was not to insult that language. Kannada actor Shivarajkumar was on stage, and Mr. Haasan was speaking with pride about his warm relationship with that family. He was pointing to the kinship between Tamil and Kannada and was trying to say 'we are family; ours are sibling languages'. It is likely that in that moment, the idea that 'Tamil is the origin' — an idea long held by a section of Tamil thinkers — came to his mind. But there is no reason to doubt his intentions. He has the freedom to express such a view in public. Those who hold opposing views can disagree, and speak or write in response. But to issue threats to him is a violation of his right to express an opinion. The court's view When a case regarding the release of his film Thug Life came before the court in Karnataka, the judge almost compelled Mr. Haasan to apologise. While linguistic fundamentalists are prepared to turn this into a conflict between two regional nationalities, should the court be approaching it in a way that favours them? The police may treat this as a law-and-order issue, but the court cannot view it that way. Should the court function like a kattapanchayat (extrajudicial body) enforcing commercial compromise? The court should have treated this as an issue of freedom of expression. Anyone can say they are hurt by a particular view, but what is the measure of being hurt? Anyone can deliberately create social tension. The court cannot consider such people as a party to compromise. The court should have said that it will carefully examine whether Mr. Haasan has the right to express such a view; that this has no relation to the release of the film; and that it will allow the film's release with police protection. Whatever way the case came before the court, it should have been approached from the standpoint of freedom of expression. In a democracy, the court is the final refuge that safeguards that right. Mr. Haasan did not apologise. He explained that 'the opinion was not wrong; it was misunderstood.' Normally, if any issue arises around a film, the standard response is to issue an immediate apology, remove scenes, and make compromises to facilitate the film's release. For the first time, someone from the film industry has said, 'I will not apologise.' 'Thug Life' premieres amid fan frenzy & tight security in Tamil Nadu Whatever commercial calculations may lie behind that stance, the courage to make such a statement must be acknowledged. As the court itself said, this is not a matter of arrogance, but of self-respect. A person has every right to express an opinion and to stand by it if they believe it is right. Democratic opposition to such views can certainly be voiced. But issuing violent threats or denying someone their right to live must be treated as punishable crimes. Perumal Murugan, scholar and literary chronicler who writes in the Tamil language
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kamal Haasan calls Bengaluru stampede ‘heart-wrenching' amid Kannada-Tamil row; R Madhavan, Vivek Oberoi express grief for victims
Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) celebration turned tragic after a stampede at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium led to the death of 11 people and left several others injured. The incident occurred ahead of RCB's IPL victory celebration. In the wake of the tragedy, several celebrities, including RCB player Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma, took to social media to express condolences to the victims and their families. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan also paid his respects to the deceased and shared a message on X (formerly Twitter). 'Heart wrenching tragedy in Bangalore. Deeply distressed and my heart reaches out to the families of the victims in this moment of grief. May the injured recover soon.' Kamal's statement comes at a time when he is embroiled in controversy over his recent 'Kannada-Tamil' remark. During the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life, Kamal had said, 'Kannada was born out of Tamil,' a comment that angered both politicians and the public, leading to a backlash and the stalling of Thug Life's release in Karnataka. Heart wrenching tragedy in Bangalore. Deeply distressed and my heart reaches out to the families of the victims in this moment of grief. May the injured recover soon. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 4, 2025 Actor R Madhavan also extended his condolences. He wrote on Instagram, 'This is so heartbreaking. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Please be responsible and safe and do not respond to rumours without checking with the authorities.' Vivek Oberoi grieved the loss of lives and shared a heartfelt message: 'It's truly saddening to lose loved ones, especially during what should have been a moment of collective joy in cricket. To the families and friends now facing this unimaginable void, our hearts ache with yours. We send our deepest condolences and heartfelt support, hoping you find some solace amidst this profound grief. May strength and peace be with you.' RCB clinched the IPL title after defeating Punjab Kings in the finals held in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Following their victory, the team landed at Bengaluru's HAL Airport, where a felicitation programme was scheduled at Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in attendance. Later, the players participated in a victory parade through the city. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of the champions. Entry into the stadium was restricted to those with valid passes. However, according to reports, rumours about the availability of free passes sparked chaos near Gate Number 7, resulting in a massive crowd surge and a stampede-like situation.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Abhishek Banerjee, Rana Daggubati react to row over Kamal Haasan's Kannada comment: ‘Same about Marathi-Bihari…'
Actor Kamal Haasan finds himself in the midst of a language row ahead of the release of his film Thug Life. The Mani Ratnam-directed film has been barred from release in Karnataka, with Kamal doubling down and not apologising for a statement he made on Kannada being born out of Tamil. Recently, the Karnataka HC slammed his statement and called him out for not apologising. In an interview with India Today, Rana Daggubati and Abhishek Banerjee, however, said this when asked about it. (Also Read: 'I thank the people of Tamil Nadu for supporting me': Kamal Haasan in 1st press meet after Kannada language row) When asked to comment on Kamal's language row, Rana questioned why actors are being looked up to for the way society lives instead of scholars or politicians. He said, 'Now, social media has become a place to make an opinion. Earlier, you didn't have that. Anything gets touchy and political quite quickly. If the media and the news, and people become smarter (and understand) that actors are not the ones to advocate for the way society lives - it will be a better place. I think you should look at scholars, politicians and learned men and women to lead a way into society.' His Rana Naidu co-star Abhishek also agreed with Rana and compared it to the Marathi-Bihari conflict in Maharashtra and said, 'When I came to Bombay many years back, I heard the same thing about the Marathi-Bihari and Kannada-Tamil conflict, which has been going on. I feel it's completely worthless and useless. People who don't have anything better to do, will just try and get attention while doing this.' He also stated that language is great when used to educate people and cultivate culture, rather than to cause divide. Thug Life will be released across the country on 5 June except for Karnataka. It remains to be seen if the move will affect its box office collections.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rana Daggubati reacts to language row in the South over Kamal Haasan's Kannada-Tamil remark: ‘Actors are not the ones to advocate for the way society lives'
Rana Daggubati is all set to reprise his role in the OTT series 'Rana Naidu', directed by Karan Anshuman. The upcoming season delves deeper into the complexities of family ties and emotional baggage. Rana Daggubati has recently addressed the ongoing language row in the South, connected to Kamal Haasan 's 'Kannada-Tamil' remark. In a conversation with India Today, Rana opened up about his character's continued inner turmoil, how society often misjudges people, and the importance of moving forward amidst public discourse. His co-stars Kriti Kharbanda, Abhishek Banerjee, and director Karan Anshuman also joined him in the conversation. Kamal Haasan Faces Backlash Over 'Kannada Born From Tamil' Remark at Thug Life Event A Shift in Tone Responding to questions about the show's seemingly more restrained trailer this time—especially when compared to the raw and expletive-laden first season—Rana said the change stems from the evolving setting and character dynamics. 'In season 2, you are dealing with another family. You are dealing with the Oberois now. There's a certain class to the problem. The language is organic to what happens to these characters,' Rana explained. Life in Shades of Grey When asked about his earlier comment regarding the 'harsh' world his character Rana Naidu inhabits, the Baahubali actor offered a nuanced view of the real world as well. He emphasised that the world isn't simply black and white—everyone lives in shades of grey. People often make assumptions without truly knowing others. Navigating life is tough, and ultimately, one must take charge and resolve their own issues. Weighing In on the Language Row in the South In light of the recent controversy around Kamal Haasan's Thug Life not releasing in Karnataka, Rana was asked to comment on the increasing polarisation around language and culture. 'Now, social media has become a place to make an opinion. Earlier, you didn't have that. Anything gets touchy and political quite quickly,' he noted. Artistes and Public Responsibility Touching on whether artistes should address such socio-political matters, Rana made it clear that the responsibility shouldn't rest solely with film personalities. 'If the media and the news, and people become smarter—and understand that actors are not the ones to advocate for the way society lives—it will be a better place. I think you should look at scholars, politicians, and learned men and women to lead the way in society,' he said. 'You'll never bring a poet to the same stage. Neither do people speak those languages. If there's a poet in Marathi who's written some fabulous poems, we wouldn't bring them and honour them like we do with film stars. If the lens turns towards more important and current things, the country would become a much better place,' he added. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ram Gopal Varma comes out in support of Kamal Haasan amid threats to ban Thug Life in Karnataka, then deletes tweet
Actor Kamal Haasan has been facing backlash after he made a comment regarding Kannada language during the promotion of his upcoming film Thug Life. The actor compared Tamil and Kannada languages, leading to pro-Kannada groups slamming him and even demanding a ban on the film in Karnataka. Now filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come out in support of Kamal Haasan and slammed the threats against the actor and calls for banning the film as nothing but 'hooliganism.' (Also read: Kamal Haasan breaks silence on Kannada-Tamil row, says historians have taught him language: 'Love will never apologise') In his latest tweet on X (Formerly Twitter), Ram Gopal Varma said, 'DEMOCRACY's new name is INTOLERANCE..,irrespective of factual correctness , threats to ban #ThugLife in Karnataka unless @ikamalhaasan apologises , amounts to a new kind of HOOLIGANISM.' After posting, Ram Gopal Varma deleted the tweet. Meanwhile, Kamal has moved the Karnataka high court seeking the release of Thug Life, which has been stalled by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce over his controversial remarks on the Kannada language. The actor had reacted to the backlash and said that he did not mean 'anything' and it was made with a lot of love. 'So lets leave all this very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts. If you look at it from the northern point of view, according to them it is right, if you look at it from Thenkumari (south), then what I say is right. There is a third angle to it-- the scholars, the language experts. This is not an answer, an explanation. Love will never apologise,' he was quoted by PTI. Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and is set to release worldwide on June 5.
