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Business Standard
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
'Historian or linguist?' HC raps Kamal Haasan over Kannada origin remark
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday pulled up actor Kamal Haasan over his controversial statement about the origin of Kannada language, which has sparked protests against the release of his film 'Thug Life' in the state. The court asked Haasan to clarify the basis for his remarks, questioning, 'Are you a historian or linguist? On what basis did you speak?' Haasan had approached the court seeking protection for the release of his film, directed by Mani Ratnam, after several pro-Kannada groups demanded an apology from the actor. Haasan's lawyer, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, argued that the statement was taken out of context and submitted Haasan's written response to the court. According to Live Law, the Bench expressed its displeasure at the actor's refusal to apologise, noting that his statement had caused 'unrest and disharmony". The court said, 'Division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement. What has happened because of it? Unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection. On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian or linguist? On what basis did you speak? You know the importance of the film, saying it is made by Mani Ratnam, but you cannot make a statement.' The court also remarked, 'If it is a reply of apology, we will take it. There is no apology in it. You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses.' In the course of the hearing, Chinnappa urged the court to consider the context of Haasan's statement and review the video clip. The Bench responded, 'It may not be drastically wrong. Now you want the film to be run in Karnataka, leave it. Fundamental right of speech and expression cannot be stretched to hurt the sentiments of the masses.' When Chinnappa argued that some people wanted to watch the film and that their right was being infringed, the court replied, 'Let them come before the court, that I want to watch Thug Life.' The matter has been adjourned to 2.30 pm for further hearing. What is the controversy? The controversy erupted after Haasan's remarks at the audio launch of Thug Life drew criticism in Karnataka. During the event, Haasan started his speech with the phrase 'Uyire Urave Tamizhe', which translates to 'my life and my family is Tamil language'. While addressing Kannada actor Shivarajkumar at the same event, Haasan stated, 'This is my family in that place. That's why he has come here. That's why I began my speech saying life, relationship and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included (part of it).' Following protests and calls to block the film's release in Karnataka, where it is scheduled to open on June 5, Haasan sought legal recourse to prevent any disruption. In his petition, filed through the CEO of Raaj Kamal Films International, Haasan requested the court to direct the Karnataka government, police, and film trade associations to refrain from obstructing the film's release. Additionally, the petition sought orders directing the Director General of Police and the City Police Commissioner to provide sufficient security to ensure the film can be screened without incident.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kamal Haasan stirs row with ‘Kannada born from Tamil' remark; Siddaramiah says 'he doesn't know history'
Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan has sparked a fresh controversy just weeks ahead of the release of his upcoming film Thug Life, with a remark made at an event in Chennai claiming that the Kannada language "was born out of Tamil." Haasan began his speech with the phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe," which translates to "my life and my family is Tamil language." Turning to Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was also present at the event, Haasan said, 'This is my family in that place. That's why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That's why I began my speech saying life, relationship and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included (part of it).' Responding to the statements, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said the Kannada language has a very long history, and actor Kamal Haasan is unaware of it. "Kannada language has a very long history... he (Kamal Hassan) doesn't know," Siddaramaiah told reporters. Kamal Haasan's speech triggered a controversy, with outfits calling for the boycott of his latest movie. Several outfits in Karnataka want Thug Life to be banned if Kamal Haasan fails to issue a public apology. Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Tuesday accused the actor of "disrespecting" Kannada in his effort to glorify his own mother tongue. The BJP leader also demanded that the actor issue an 'unconditional apology to Kannadigas immediately'. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he said: 'Artists should have the culture of respecting every language. It is the height of arrogance that actor @ikamalhaasan, who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada.' He also said Kannada is a prominent language in many parts of the world, including India, for centuries.
Scroll.in
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
Actor Kamal Haasan says Kannada was ‘born out of Tamil', draws backlash
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has remarked that the Kannada language was 'born out of Tamil', sparking a backlash from political leaders and pro-Kannada activists, The Indian Express reported. At the audio launch for the Tamil film Thug Life on May 24 in Chennai, Haasan described his bond with the Tamil language with the words: ' Uyire Urave Tamizhe [My life and my family is Tamil].' He addressed Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was at the event, and said: '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 Claims Kannada Originated From Tamil, Triggers Outrage #KamalHaasan #KannadaTamilRow #LanguageDebate #TamilVsKannada #SouthIndiaPolitics #KamalStatement #DravidianLanguages #LinguisticControversy #KannadaIdentity #TamilRoots — Business Today (@business_today) May 28, 2025 Hours later, pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike accused the actor of belittling the language, and threatened to boycott his film, according to The Indian Express. 'We are warning Kamal – do you want business in Karnataka? Then stop insulting Kannada,' the newspaper quoted the organisation's leader Praveen Shetty as saying. 'Today, you were in the state and ran away. We were ready to apply black ink to your face. If you continue to speak against Karnataka and Kannadigas, there will be protests.' Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka chief BV Vijayendra accused Haasan of insulting 6.5 crore Kannada speakers, The Hindu reported. 'It is the height of arrogance that Kamal Haasan, who has acted in many Indian languages including Kannada, has insulted Kannada in the name of glorifying Tamil,' Vijayendra said. He added that Haasan is not a historian, and has no authority to comment on Kannada's linguistic origins. ಮಾತೃಭಾಷೆಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರೀತಿಸಬೇಕು, ಆದರೆ ಅದರ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ದುರಭಿಮಾನ ಮೆರೆಯುವುದು ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ ಹೀನ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಕಲಾವಿದರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಭಾಷೆಯನ್ನೂ ಗೌರವಿಸುವ ಸಂಸ್ಕಾರ ಇರಬೇಕು. ಕನ್ನಡವೂ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಅನೇಕ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಭಾಷೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿರುವ ನಟ @ikamalhaasan ತಮ್ಮ ತಮಿಳು ಭಾಷೆಯನ್ನು ವೈಭವಿಕರಿಸುವ ಮತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಟ… — Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) May 27, 2025 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying by ANI: 'Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.' Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike tore posters of the film Thug Life in Bengaluru to protest the actor-politician's remarks. The film, directed by Mani Ratnam, is scheduled to be released on June 5. Among its producers is Red Giant Movies, a company owned by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. The film has been dubbed in several languages, including Kannada.
