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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kamal Haasan's films will be banned in Karnataka if he does not apologise: Kannada and Culture Minister
Kannada and Culture Minister of Karnataka, Shivaraj Tangadagi, said on Friday 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 Kamal 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 Kamal 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 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 here, 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. Kamal 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 Kamal Haasan. ALSO READ:Thug Life release in limbo in Karnataka, Kamal Haasan must apologise in two days, says film chamber "I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage in an event. 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.
News18
3 days 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:
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Kannada remark row: 'Will ban Kamal Haasan film if he doesn't apologise'
Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has backed the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce's (KFCC) decision to halt the release of Kamal Haasan 's upcoming film "Thug Life" in the state unless the actor issues a public apology. The minister said, 'I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday (May 29) 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 insisted that disrespect towards the Kannada language or its people would not be tolerated, regardless of a person's stature. '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 said. When asked directly whether a ban would follow if no apology is issued, he responded, 'Yes.' Controversy over Kannada remark Kamal Haasan has been facing criticism for saying that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a promotional event. His statement has angered pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations, who view the comment as an affront to the Kannada language. KFCC President M Narasimhalu confirmed that the industry would stand with Kannada-speaking people. He said that distributors and exhibitors have voluntarily chosen not to screen Haasan's film if he fails to apologise. 'Kannada organisations have expressed anger over his statement. There is demand that his movies should not be released here,' he said. He also mentioned that the KFCC is in contact with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and its president Ravi Kottarakara is trying to engage with Haasan. Narasimhalu stated, 'The industry is with Kannada organisations and the people.' He added that no legal action is being taken and that the decision not to screen the film is being made by distributors and exhibitors themselves. 'Political leaders have also condemned his statement -- whether those in the government or those from the opposition. We are not saying don't release or ban,' Narasimhalu added. Minister urges Shivarajkumar to intervene Tangadagi revealed that he had spoken to Kannada actor Shivarajkumar and urged him to speak 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. He also pointed to a past controversy involving singer Sonu Nigam, stressing that outsiders criticising Kannada will not be accepted. 'It cannot be tolerated. I support the stand taken by the film chamber of commerce. The government is with them on this matter,' Tangadagi said. Commenting on some actors opposing the move to block Haasan's film, Tangadagi questioned whether such comments about Kannada should be tolerated. '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,' he said. Haasan refuses to apologise Meanwhile, in Chennai, Kamal Haasan once again refused to apologise. He said he believed in the law and justice and maintained that his love for Karnataka was genuine. He further said that threats of a boycott by pro-Kannada groups were not new to him and that he had faced similar threats in the past.
