Latest news with #Shivarajkumar
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.
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Business Standard
9 hours 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.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
You can't push boundaries without first reaching the masses: Naveen Shankar
Naveen Shankar is re-evaluating his approach to scripts. The actor, who is now on board Shivarajkumar's next, directed by Karthik Adwaith, and plays the role of an antagonist, says, 'Earlier, I focused solely on the content, the emotional core, and the structure. But I wasn't mindful of the commercial element. I now realise that even a niche story is a business. Both a film and an actor need to reach people before we can push boundaries,' says Naveen. 'SHIVARAJKUMAR CARRIES BOTH LEGACY AND LOVE IN HIS HEART' Naveen's also done potboilers like Hoysala and Salaar, but his film with Shivarajkumar is a step up in his career, feels the actor. 'It's a key role and one whose character design was compelling and reason enough to say yes. And I respect Shivarajkumar for the man he is and the way he treats his co-stars. He carries both legacy and love in his heart, and these are things I value so much,' he shares. We are in a creative crisis. Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in Naveen He admits there was a time when he leaned heavily on high-content narratives, believing they alone could sustain a career. 'But if you want to play the long game, you have to consider marketability too. The same storyline can become an out-and-out commercial film if presented right. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo That's something I understand better now,' he says. 'FOR OUTSIDERS, CARVING OUT A SPACE IN THE FILM INDUSTRY IS A SLOW PROCESS' Addressing the disparities within the industry, Naveen shares, 'Star kids often get a head start, especially in the commercial space. Whereas people like us who have no link to the film industry have often had to be grateful for even getting a film and work within a budget of `80 lakhs. For the rest of us, it's a space we have to carve out slowly. The only way is to prove yourself, not just as an actor but as someone who can capture the market,' he states. 'STARDOM GIVES YOU THE PRIVILEGE TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE AND ENGAGE MORE VIEWERS' The actor sees his journey in the industry as a strong one, especially with films like Gultoo, Hondisi Bareyiri, Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage, Hoysala, and Nodidavaru Yenantare. 'These were soulful films, with one or two commercial films. But now, I'm looking for a blend — storytelling depth with commercial appeal. Seven years after my entry, it's a transition, and I think it's time. You need to be known to people; stardom gives you the privilege to push the envelope and engage more viewers,' he adds. 'BIG BUDGETS ALONE AREN'T ENOUGH' Navigating what he describes as a 'creative crisis' in the industry, Naveen Shankar shares, 'Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in. People don't ask about the story anymore; they talk about budgets. There are two things I've realised. Content alone is not enough. You need commercial hits to stay relevant. That's the reality. And I'm ready to face it. At the same time, big budgets alone aren't enough; it has to have substance too. 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 .
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Kamal Haasan in double trouble over Kannada remark? Complaint filed in Bengaluru, Karnataka film body mulls ban on actor
Kamal Haasan's explanation, that his 'said out of love' remark, 'Kannada born out of Tamil', was made with good intentions, failed to appease the agitated Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation. The group, led by Praveen Shetty, has lodged a complaint with the Bengaluru Police. They submitted the complaint at the R T Nagar police station, demanding legal action be taken against the actor. In the complaint, the organisation alleged that the "controversial statement" made by Kamal Haasan has not only hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, but it has also sown seeds of poison between Kannadigas and Tamils and has insulted Kannadigas. "Every time a new Tamil movie is released, they have been constantly hurting the self-respect of Kannadigas. Such statements have been made continuously and have further disrupted peace and order between Kannadigas and Tamils," the complaint further alleged. "We have received a complaint. But no FIR has been registered yet," a senior police officer said. During the audio launch of his forthcoming film, Thug Life, held in Chennai, Kamal Haasan eloquently articulated his enduring connection with the Tamil language, commencing his address with the poignant declaration: 'Uyire Urave Tamizhe (My life and my family is Tamil).' Turning to Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who shared the dais with him, Haasan remarked with warmth and inclusivity, 'Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state… Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.' Kamal Haasan claimed his remarks were made out of love and that "love will never apologise." While talking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Kamal Haasan said those who triggered a row over his statements were "confusing the issue". "What I said, was said out of love. And a lot of historians have taught me language history and I did not mean anything." He also said Tamil Nadu is a "rare state" which has been open to anyone. "And, let me tell you, Tamil Nadu is a place which has been open. I don't say there is no other state like this. But a very rare state where a Menon (MG Ramachandran) has been our Chief Minister...a Reddy (Omandur Ramasamy Reddiyar) has been our chief minister, a Tamil (M Karunanidhi) has been our chief minister and then a Kannadiga Iyengar has been our CM, from Mandya," the actor said. The Kannadiga Iyengar was an apparent reference to the late Jayalalithaa. "When there was a problem from a chief minister who hailed from Karnataka (Jayalalithaa), it was Karnataka which gave me support. Kannadigas said come here we will give you a house, don't go anywhere. So the people will take care of Thug Life, Kamal Haasan and all these controversies," he said. The statement he made regarding the language was out of love and "we are family and so are the languages." "If you look at it from the northern point of view, yes what they say, according to them is right. But if you look at it from Thenkumari (south), then what I say is right. Then there is a third angle to it, and that is what I said (that) the scholars and language experts, they will say both are right, but they must decide where they want to belong, to their family or to the languages that came from the North." "That's up to you, this is a democratic country. This is not an answer, this is an explanation. Love will never apologise," Kamal Haasan defended on Wedesday. Pro-Kannada groups went up in arms against Kamal Haasan for his "Tamil gave birth to Kannada" remarks, with a police complaint filed against him, while a film association is set to discuss a possible ban on the veteran star ahead of his upcoming release "Thug Life," directed by ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Former President of KFCC and the Vice President of Film Federation of India, N M Suresh said the actor must apologise to Kannadigas. "He cannot say things like that, he must say sorry to us," said Suresh. The actor's comments have sparked outrage among several pro-Kannada outfits. These groups staged protests against him in various parts of the state like Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi and Bengaluru, among others. As a demonstration of their anger, they burnt Kamal Hassan's posters at Belagavi and few other places, and raised slogans against him. Condemning the actor-politician's statement, the agitators demanded that he apologise to the people of the state. They even threatened to obstruct screening of his film "Thug Life" in the state, if he fails to issue an apology. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation, lodged a complaint with Bengaluru Police against Kamal Haasan for his remarks.
