Latest news with #KarnatakaFilmChamberofCommerce
NDTV
18 hours 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.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Vedike burns actor Kamal Hassan in an effigy
Strongly condemning the recent controversial statement made by actor Kamal Hassan about Kannada language, the members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a protest burning effigy and posters of the actor in Kalaburagi city on Friday. Mr. Hassan's recent statement claiming 'Kannada was originated from Tamil' during a promotional event for his upcoming movie 'Thug Life' has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada organisations. The Vedike district president Anand Doddamani said that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has already banned the release of Mr. Hassan's upcoming movie 'Thug life' in Karnataka, he also urged the film distributors and theatre owners to ensure that the movie is not screened in any theatre across Karnataka.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Must apologise or face ban: Karnataka Minister on Kamal Haasan's Kannada remarks
Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj S Tangadagi, wrote to the state Film Chamber of Commerce seeking a ban on the release of actor Kamal Haasan's films in the state if he does not issue an apology for his remarks on Kannada a statement, the Minister said the actor had 'deeply hurt' the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people through the comments Haasan made at a recent film event. Tangadagi was responding to the controversy created by Haasan by his remark 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' at the audio launch of his upcoming film 'Thug Life'.'When it comes to our language, land, and water, we will not tolerate anyone speaking against them, no matter how big the person is, even if it is Kamal Haasan,' Tangadagi must immediately apologise for his comments about Kannada. He is a Kannada actor himself and has acted in Kannada movies. He should apologise to the people of Karnataka and Kannadigas, there are no two ways about it. Otherwise, I will write to the Film Chamber demanding a ban on the release of his movies or any of his work in the state,' he said. Pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike also staged a protest outside the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce demanding that Kamal Haasan publicly apologise for his into consideration the controversy and the protests, the Karnataka Film Chamber has reportedly issued a 24-hour deadline to Kamal Haasan to apologise. Failing this, the film association has said it will support the pro-Kannada organisation's demand to ban the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in the a formal letter addressed to the President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Tangadagi reiterated his stand, stating: 'Regardless of how prominent a person might be, no one can be allowed to make such statements regarding the land, water, or language of Karnataka.''If Tamil actor Kamal Haasan fails to apologise to the people of the state and to the Kannadigas, I hereby state that a ban should be immediately imposed on the screening of his films in Karnataka,' he pro-Kannada organisation, on Wednesday, also filed a police complaint against Haasan over his remarks. The group, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, also staged a protest outside the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce demanding that Kamal Haasan publicly apologise for his Minister also acknowledged that Haasan's political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, is allied with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. 'DMK is our ally party and they are in alliance with another small party in Tamil Nadu, where an MLA has called for a ban on Kannada films. But we did not hurt any sentiments. DMK might be our friendly party, but when it comes to language and land, it comes first,' he a regional party from Tamil Nadu allied with the DMK has issued a counter-warning to Karnataka. Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader and MLA T Velmurugan, in a Facebook post, said, 'If Kamal Haasan's Thug Life movie is not released in Karnataka, we issue a warning that none of the Karnataka movies will be released in Tamil Nadu.'With inputs from Anagha Keshav IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Tamil Nadu
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Won't apologise': After 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' remark, Kamal Haasan stays defiant
BENGALURU: Setting off a row with his remark that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a film-promotion event in Chennai, actor-politician Kamal Haasan triggered public outrage and sharp political reactions in Karnataka . In reply to Kannada and culture minister Shivaraj Tangadagi's demand for an immediate apology to the people of Karnataka, Kamal Haasan clarified that his statement was "out of love" and "love will never apologise". Kamal Haasan's remark evoked bitter political reactions, state-wide protests and demonstrations. Tangadagi demanded that Kannada actor Shivaraj Kumar , who was present during Kamal's speech, must condemn Kamal's words and urged Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to consider enforcing a ban on Kamal Haasan's film. "He must apologise to the people of Karnataka," the minister said. 'Kamal Haasan must apologise to people of Karnataka' Minister Tngadagi said, "Regardless of the personality, we will tolerate none if they try to defame Kannada language, culture, water or boundary. He must apologise to the people of Karnataka. Being a veteran actor, he should not have commented in such a manner. They (Kamal) need Kannada to act and earn and run their propaganda. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo Should they be allowed to speak like this? Previously, singer Sonu Nigam courted controversy and apologised. There is a need to teach a lesson to all these people." Kamal's statement triggered state-wide protests with pro-Kannada outfits staging demonstrations against the actor in Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike faction of Praveen Shetty lodged a complaint against him at RT Nagar police station, alleging he hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas that triggered unrest between Kannadigas and Tamilians. A senior officer said they forwarded the complaint for legal opinion and they will decide further action based on that. Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra said, "Disrespecting another language in the name of their mother tongue is nothing but uncultured behaviour. Having acted in several Indian languages, Kamal's attempt to glorify Tamil language, especially in the presence of Kannada actor Shivaraj Kumar, reflects his arrogance and foolishness." Responding to political outbursts, Kamal Haasan, in Thiruvananthapuram, recalled the diversity Tamil Nadu has seen over the years in the form of multiple chief ministers from different linguistic backgrounds, including the late J Jayalalithaa, who hailed from Mandya in Karnataka. Claiming his response as an 'explanation' and not an 'answer' in a democratic country, Kamal said, "They (protestors) are confusing the issue. Politicians are not qualified to talk about language, including me. Let's leave all these discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts. When there was a problem from a TN CM, who hailed from Karnataka, it was Karnataka that gave me support and Kannadigas offered to provide me with a house. So, people will take care of ..." Referring to his 'statement of love' on language in the presence of Shivaraj Kumar, Kamal said, "We (he and Rajkumar family) are a family and so are the languages. If you look at it from a northern point of view, according to them, it is right. If you look at it from Thenkumari (South), what I said was right. There is also a third angle - the scholars, linguists who say both are right - families and languages that came from the North. "
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Title dispute resolved
Mythri Movies Raghavendra Rajkumar pan-India movie Shankar Nag Dr Rajkumar Vishnuvardhan Sujaya Shastry The dispute over the title of the multilingual movie Dude has been resolved amicably. The dispute arose over the title whenannounced a similar title for its movie. As soon as the announcement was made, director Thej held talks with Mythri Movies and got the dispute resolved amicably.'Now, there is no dispute over the title,'' said Thej. It is said Thej took the help and guidance ofand Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to resolve the issue. 'Many film production companies have been facing similar problems after themaking and distribution concept came into practice. Movie title issues have become a nuisance for producers,'' director Thej said he has a privilege of sharing screen space with late actor. 'As a child artiste, I have shared the screen with Shankar Nag. Many Kannada movies of, Drwere popular not only in Karnataka but also in other states. I have been associated with the Kannada film industry for quite a long time,'' he said. He also made it clear that his movie Dude has nothing to do with Anurag Kashyap-starred pan-India movie 8. '8, directed by, is an emotional movie. My movie Dude is an out and out commercial movie which showcases how strong women are,'' he said.
