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New Indian Express
an hour ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘Thug Life' won't be released in Karnataka on June 5; may lose Rs 30 crore, experts say
BENGALURU: Kamal Haasan's Thug Life, caught in a controversy over the actor's comment on the Kannada language, will not be released in Karnataka on June 5, the scheduled date for the release of the movie across the country, its producers informed the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday. According to some industry experts, the film may lose at least Rs 30 crore if it fails to get released in Karnataka. Kamal has refused to apologise, saying his comment 'said out of genuine affection for the legendary Rajkumar's family, especially Shiva Rajkumar, has been misunderstood and taken out of context.' When a petition filed by the film's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, seeking police protection for the movie in Karnataka, came up for hearing before Justice Nagaprasanna on Tuesday, counsel for the petitioner said that there was no malice and an apology was not warranted. The petitioner submitted that the screening of the movie would not be insisted upon in Karnataka until the issue gets resolved through dialogue. The court then posted the case to June 10 for further hearing.
The Print
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Kamal Haasan remarks: Karnataka HC raps actor for refusing to apologise
Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, had sought adequate security for the movie's release in the state amid widespread protests and a boycott call by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce following the actor's remark. The KFCC has also demanded that Haasan apologise. The movie will not be released in Karnataka on June 5, the scheduled date for the pan-India release, its producers told the court on Tuesday, following which it postponed the hearing to June 10. Bengaluru, Jun 3 (PTI) Here are some of the observations made by the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday as it rapped the actor-politician Kamal Haasan for refusing to apologise for his 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' remark while hearing a plea seeking protection for release of his movie 'Thug Life' in the state. Observing that a 'single apology (by Haasan) could have resolved the situation,' Justice Nagaprasanna said, 'Freedom of expression cannot be extended to the extent of hurting someone's sentiment, of a mass in particular.' Noting that the actor's recent statement has stirred the hornets' nest and triggered certain unrest in Karnataka among the people, the Judge said it has undermined the sentiment of language attached to the people of the state. 'Language is an emotional and cultural identity of a people,' and stressed that no individual has the right to make comments that undermine the pride of an entire linguistic community, the court observed. Justice Nagaprasanna asked, 'Are you (Kamal Hassan) a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another. A single apology could have resolved the situation.' 'Jala, Nela, and Bashe (Water, land, and language) are crucial to citizens. The division of this country itself was based on linguistic lines,' he observed. Pointing out that C Rajagopalachari (the then Governor-General of India) made a similar statement about the language but apologised for it, the Judge said, '….If Rajagopalachari could tender a public apology 75 years ago, why can't you (Kamal Haasan)? For your commercial interest, you have approached this court seeking police protection for a situation created by you.' Citing from the petition that Rs 300 crore is spent on the movie Thug Life and after Nayagan this was the first cinema by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam together, Justice Nagaprasanna said, 'You (Haasan) know the importance (of the movie), but you can't make a statement (of apology)…..you want your film to run smoothly in a state whose sentiments you have hurt. If you are not concerned about it, why do you want it to be run in Karnataka. Leave it.' PTI KSU HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Thug Life of Kamal Haasan: The case around his ‘Kannada-Tamil' remark & Karnataka high court's rap
Several pro-Kannada organisations threatened not to allow the release of his film Thug Life and warned its screening in the state will be disrupted if the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce went against them and allowed the release. Haasan (70) made the statement at the audio launch event for the movie 24 May, and later stood by it, even though he admitted he is not an authority on the subject. Bengaluru: Amid the growing controversy over his 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' remark, actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday told the Karnataka High Court he will not release his upcoming film Thug Life in the state, but refused to apologise for his statement that has drawn widespread criticism. The film is scheduled for worldwide release 5 June. Haasan's production house Raaj Kamal Films International moved the Karnataka High Court Monday, seeking protection from any individual, group, or authority—including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce—from obstructing the screening of the film in the state. Hearing the petition Tuesday, Justice M. Nagaprasanna said Haasan or any other citizen has no right to hurt the sentiments of the masses. Justice Nagaprasanna said that 'Nela, Jala, Bashe' (land, water and language) are very emotional issues and that Haasan has undermined Kannada with his statements. 'If a public figure of this kind in a public forum makes a statement that this language is born of this language.. No language can be born of another language…it's a different thing. But if he has made that statement, where is the material? And what has happened because of that (statement)…unrest, disharmony? And what did the people of Karnataka ask, apologise?' Justice Nagaprassanna said. The Haasan's production house also sought police protection for the film's cast, crew, theatre owners, and audiences, citing potential threats of disruption, according to a PTI report. Haasan's film production house has sought to make the Karnataka government, the state police, the Bengaluru police commissioner, the Central Board of Film Certification and the state film chamber as respondents. The judge asked why the actor could not redeem the situation with a simple apology. Senior counsel Dhyan Chinnappa, who represented the production house, said the actor did not make the statement at a Tamil-Kannada seminar but has the right to freedom of expression. Justice Nagaprasanna observed, 'Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to the extent of hurting someone's sentiments, of a mass (population) in particular.' He added that Haasan himself was the producer and has now approached the court for protection after a statement made by him created the circumstance. 'You are here for commercial interest saying that your movie should run smoothly and the police force of the state of Karnataka should protect your movie to be run smoothly for a situation created by you,' the judge said, adding that one apology would have solved everything. The court also said there were cases being filed over comments made by ordinary people on social media as well. 'Ordinary people now tweeting or doing anything on social media is also considered a mistake and crimes are registered left, right, centre. Now, in a public forum a public figure like this speaks,' he said. The judge even invoked the 1950 incident when first Bharat Ratna awardees C. Rajagopalachari issued a public apology after stating that Kannada had evolved from Tamil. Justice Nagaprasanna said Rajagopalachari issued the apology after several Kannada writers wrote to him. C. Rajagopalachari apologised 'but 75 years later, this person (Haasan) won't', said the judge. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Interval or end credits? Why Kamal Haasan may have cast aside dream to become CM, at least for now
Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
If Kamal Haasan wishes, ready to meet and discuss why we want apology: KFCC
If actor Kamal Haasan wants, we can meet and discuss why we want him to render an unconditional apology, said Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Tuesday, post an emergency executive committee meeting. In a statement issued by KFCC, which reiterated the demand that the actor, director and producer must apologise, it said that it is willing to meet and discuss this with him as decided in the court. 'Since Kamal Haasan has told the Karnataka high court that he will not be releasing the film as planned, that issue has become irrelevant. But we stand by our demand for an apology from him. Further action will be taken as per the order of the court,' read the statement. Haasan had said 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' at a promotional event in Chennai for his upcoming Tamil film 'Thug Life', sparking a backlash in Karnataka, prompting KFCC to announce that the film would not be screened in the state unless Haasan apologised. Earlier in the day, M Narasimhalu, President of KFCC, also told PTI that as the matter is in court now, KFCC will do what the court tells them to do. He had also confirmed that KFCC executive committee members would meet once Karnataka High Court issued an order. Raaj Kamal Films International, helmed by Haasan and one of the producers of 'Thug Life', had filed a petition at Karnataka High Court seeking 'protection' on June 2. When the matter came up for hearing before Justice Nagaprasanna on Tuesday, the counsel for petitioner Raaj Kamal Films International maintained that there was no malice and an apology was not warranted and submitted that the screening of the movie would not be insisted upon in Karnataka till the issue gets resolved through dialogue. The court posted further hearing of the petition to June 10.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan's net worth: A look at the 'Thug Life' actor's ₹450-crore legacy
Kamal Haasan , one of Indian cinema 's most celebrated and versatile stars, marks a seven-decade-long journey in the entertainment industry. Born on November 7, 1954, in a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family, Haasan began acting as a child artist in 'Kalathur Kannamma' (1960), directed by A. Bhimsingh. Since that modest beginning, he has carved a unique space in Indian cinema, evolving into an iconic performer and a multi-faceted film personality. Known for his boundary-breaking roles and path-breaking films, Kamal Haasan remains an enduring figure across generations. Multilingual Marvel Over the years, Kamal Haasan has worked in multiple Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and Bengali. His ability to effortlessly adapt to different roles and cinematic cultures has made him a household name nationwide. From playing intense dramatic characters to pulling off commercial entertainers, Kamal Haasan has done it all. Apart from acting, he has showcased his skills as a producer, screenwriter, director, and even a playback singer, making him one of the rare all-rounders in the film industry. The ₹450-crore empire When it comes to wealth, Kamal Haasan ranks among the highest-paid actors in India. According to reports cited by CNBC-TV18, his net worth is estimated to be around $70 million (₹450 crore). His earnings come from acting fees, his production house Raaj Kamal Films International, brand endorsements, and various television ventures. He reportedly charges up to ₹100 crore per project and had even quoted ₹150 crore for reprising his role in 'Indian 2,' as reported by News18. Kamal Haasan's taste for luxury Kamal Haasan leads a lavish lifestyle, owning several high-value assets including a sprawling mansion in Chennai. His real estate holdings are said to exceed ₹131 crore, with one of his most expensive properties being a UK-based estate reportedly valued at ₹2.5 billion. He also boasts a luxurious car collection, including high-end models like the BMW 730LD and Lexus LX 570, which reflect his refined taste. 'Thug Life' and recent controversy Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan's upcoming film 'Thug Life,' directed by Mani Ratnam , has become embroiled in controversy. Following a statement made by the actor during the film's audio launch, Kannada groups demanded an apology, alleging it was offensive. Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise, and the makers have now paused the film's release in Karnataka. 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 .
