Latest news with #Vishwaroopam
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Thug Life: Man burns Kamal Haasan's photo after actor's controversial remark on Kannada language
Kamal Haasan is gearing up for the release of his next film, Thug Life. The Mani Ratnam-directed gangster action thriller is slated to hit big screens on June 5. Recently the senior actor landed in controversy after he claimed that the Kannada language was born out of Tamil. However, this statement didn't go well with the people of Karnataka. Bangalore man burns Kamal Haasan's portrait publicly, gets booked Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the senior actor, a man based out of Bengaluru was recently booked by the police for burning Kamal Haasan 's portrait publicly. The man was found obstructing traffic flow in the middle of the road near Pavitra Paradise Circle in west Bengaluru, causing a public nuisance. He has been booked under sections 270 (public nuisance) and 283 (exhibition of false light, mark or buoy) for the same. Thug Life banned in Karnataka amid Kamal Haasan's Kannada language row This remark drew flak from the Kannada-speaking audiences and the matter escalated to the point that his next film got banned by the Karnataka Film Chamber. The chief of the Karnataka Film Chamber commented on the matter and said, 'We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film's release unless he apologizes publicly.' More about Thug Life Coming back to Thug Life, the film marks the Vishwaroopam actor's second collaboration after a long time with Mani Ratnam. The film also stars Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan TR, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and more. The movie's storyline is said to revolve around a man named Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker, a gangster who is presumed dead. However, he makes an unexpected return and suspects his brother and foster son, Amaran, to be the masterminds behind this. What follows is how Sakthivel plans his cold revenge on those who had been more than blood relations to him.
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Thug Life and Vishwaroopam: Tale of two bans and Kamal Haasan's defiance
"I have been threatened before. If I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If not, I won't," said Kamal Haasan after his upcoming film, 'Thug Life', was banned in Karnataka over the actor's "Kannada was born out of Tamil" remark that angered pro-Kannada longtime followers of Kamal Haasan's career, this threat from Karnataka may seem small. For the actor has seen much bigger controversies. Remember when 'Vishwaroopam' faced a ban in Tamil Nadu in 2013? Remember when 'Vishwaroopam' faced a ban in Tamil Nadu in 2013? The actor had openly admitted that he would lose his assets if the film wasn't allowed to be Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' now faces a similar ban, though in Karnataka, let us take a look at the two instances when his films were banned for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a particular PROPERTIES AT STAKE: THE VISHWAROOPAM BAN Kamal Haasan and controversies go hand in hand. He has seen as many controversies as the number of years in the Indian film industry. When we talk about Haasan and controversies, it is the 'Vishwaroopam' ban that probably springs back into our minds.'Vishwaroopam' was more than just a film for Kamal Haasan. Ahead of the film's release in 2013, it saw widespread protests from various Muslim organisations over the alleged misrepresentation of their Tamil Nadu government, under J Jayalalithaa,, banned the film for two weeks, while it was released in neighbouring states. advertisementKamal Haasan, who was the director, producer, writer and actor of 'Vishwaroopam', was on the cusp of going bankrupt if the ban had continued in Tamil emotional Haasan, at a Mumbai event in January 2013, said, "If this happens again, I will seriously think of leaving India."He sought the court's help to lift the ban. Perhaps the most defining moment came a day before the verdict was pronounced. Hundreds of fans gathered outside Haasan's home in Alwarpet, Chennai. He, along with his team, stood on the sunshade of his home, giving the most emotional speech of his life."What I shared with you all was my sadness, not my anger. If you are all sad, share your sadness with me, not your anger. The Muslims among my fans are my brothers and yours too. Non-violence is the highest form of heroism. My Muslim brothers and other brothers should show our unity. Before the verdict arrives, if something untoward happens, it's a black mark for me. We do not want politics. You are the sons of this soil. It's your duty to protect this soil. As your elder brother, I'm saying, please go home silently. I am Tamilian. My profession is cinema. Till the time cinema lives, I will continue to entertain you all," said Haasan. advertisementIt was the reassurance that his fans needed. The ban on 'Vishwaroopam' was lifted, and the rest is KANNADA-TAMIL STORM: THE 'THUG LIFE' BANMay 24, 2025, marked the audio launch of 'Thug Life', a film that brought together the iconic 'Nayakan' duo - Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. At the audio launch, Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar was invited as the chief the crowd and him, the 'Vikram actor said, "Actor Shiva Rajkumar is my family living in another state. That's why he is here. That's why when I started my speech, I said 'my life and my family is Tamil'. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that family.'Here's the video: Little did he know that his statement, a display of affection to Shivanna and Tamil, would snowball into a controversy of this magnitude. Pro-Kannada activists took exception to the statement, claiming that Kannada was born out of Sanskrit and tore the banners of 'Thug Life'. In Belagavi district, protests were organised near the INOX cinemas, followed by a pro-Kannada Kamal Haasan remained firm in his stance. "What I said was said out of love and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything. Politicians are not qualified to talk about language. They don't have the qualifications to talk about it, including me. Let us leave all these very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts," he said during an event in Kerala's Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) stood in solidarity with the pro-Kannada groups and banned the film in the state after Haasan did not apologise. Speaking to the media in Chennai on Friday, Kamal Haasan said he would not apologise. "It is a democracy. I believe in the law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not, I won't."Whether it was 'Vishwaroopam' in 2013 or 'Thug Life' today, Kamal Haasan's response remains consistent: unwavering conviction over convenient compromise. At 70, the actor-filmmaker continues to choose principles over profit, even when faced with potential financial ruin or state-wide defiance seemingly stems from a deep-seated belief in artistic freedom and intellectual honesty. For Haasan, backing down isn't an option; standing tall is the only way an era of waning tolerances, though 12 years apart, it's Kamal Haasan's defiance that stands out. Unfazed, for his passion project. Now, for a Watch
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Thug Life To Vishwaroopam And Uttama Villain: When Kamal Haasan's Films Sparked Row
Last Updated: Kamal Haasan sparked controversy at the Thug Life audio launch event. However, this is not the first time that the actor is facing criticism ahead of his film's release. Kamal Haasan has landed in a big controversy once again. Recently, the South superstar attended the Thug Life audio launch event in Chennai, where he made a statement linking the origins of the Kannada language to Tamil. The actor's remarks quickly went viral and has triggered backlash from pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka. They are not only demanding an apology from Haasan but also a ban on his upcoming movie. However, this is not the first time that Kamal Haasan has sparked a controversy ahead of his film's release. Previously too, his films like Vishwaroopam and Uttama Villain faced a massive backlash for various reasons. Here are some of Kamal Haasan's film controversies you must know about: Vishwaroopam (2013) Kamal Haasan's 2013 film faced opposition from Muslim groups for allegedly portraying their community negatively. The film was banned in Tamil Nadu and also saw massive protests in some other states for allegedly hurting Muslim sentiments. However, the Tamil Nadu ban was also lifted later after Kamal Haasan agreed to make some cuts to the film. The film's makers had also issued a statement clarifying that they did not intend to hurt anybody. Uttama Villain (2015) The Tamil Nadu branch of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad filed a lawsuit against the filmmaker, demanding a ban on the film, claiming it hurts the sentiments of the Hindu religion. The group objected to the lyrics of one of the songs, arguing it belittled a conversation between Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu. Directed by Ramesh Aravind and produced by N. Linguswamy and Kamal Haasan, the film faced controversy due to these allegations. Dasavatharam (2008) Kamal Haasan's magnum opus, Dasavatharam, faced controversies for depicting the clash between Saivism and Vaishnavism. The film was reportedly scrutinised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Hindu Munnani for its portrayal of the conflict between Shaivite and Vaishnavite saints during the 16th century AD. Both Hindu groups allegedly threatened to halt the movie's screening by protesting outside theatres. Vasool Raja MBBS (2004) Starring Prabhu alongside Kamal Haasan, this film was a remake of Munna Bhai MBBS. However, it drew criticism from the Indian Medical Association. The doctors found the film's title disrespectful and demanded a change. The Tamil Nadu Medical Council president, K R Balasubramanian, had also argued that the title mocked the medical profession and tarnished the fraternity's reputation. First Published:
India Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Shiva Rajkumar dedicates song to Kamal Haasan, recalls best meeting with him
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar was invited as the special guest for the audio launch of 'Thug Life' at Sai Ram Engineering College in Chennai. The actor opened the event by calling himself a huge fan of Kamal Haasan. He also sweetly dedicated a Tamil song to the 'Vishwaroopam' Rajkumar got off the stage and hugged Kamal Haasan right after his entry. He declared himself a fan and said, "I like his smile, I like his eyes, I like his personality. I like everything about him. I would always catch his films first day first show.""When I met #KamalHaasan sir at my house with my father, i asked Kamal sir for a hug & i didn't bath for 3 days, because i want his odour on me. After my cancer surgery, KamalHaasan sir called me, I had tears after his call"- #Shivarajkumar AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) May 25, 2025advertisementThe 'Mufti' actor recalled the time he met Haasan at his home in Bengaluru. "I remember him visiting my house and speaking to my father, Dr Rajkumar, at our home in Bengaluru. At that time, he asked my father who I was. My father introduced me, and I requested him for a hug. I did not take a bath for three days. I wanted that feeling, his odour to linger. I am that kind of fan. I have fought with many people about the quality of Kamal sir's films. Even if they give bad opinions about the films, I would only say good things,' Shiva Rajkumar said. He also spoke about how Kamal Haasan called him after he had cancer surgery in the US. "I still remember, I was in Miami in December 2024, where I got my surgery. Kamal sir was in Chicago and I received a call from him. I felt so happy talking to him. Following the conversation, he said, 'You don't know Shivanna, I have tears in my eyes after speaking to you'. I can never forget that moment. I felt like my dad was speaking to me. It was an honour," he day you and me @ikamalhaasan Kendrick Kumar (@Kendrickkumaaru) May 24, 2025advertisementAs he wrapped his speech, Shiva Rajkumar sang a few lines of Kamal Haasan's iconic 'Ore Naal Unai Naan' from 'Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu'.'Thug Life', directed by Mani Ratnam, will hit theatres on June 5.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kamal Haasan opts 8-week OTT window for Thug Life: Hope others follow
Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam's 'Thug Life' is one of the most anticipated films of 2025. The film will arrive on OTT eight weeks after its theatrical release. At the Mumbai trailer launch event on Tuesday, Kamal Haasan explained the decision to opt for an eight-week theatrical window for 'Thug Life' and how he hopes others will follow Tamil cinema, even bigger films like Thalapathy Vijay's 'GOAT' usually follow the four-week OTT release window. 'Thug Life' will be one of the first films to follow the eight-week his decision at the Mumbai press conference, Kamal Haasan said that it was beneficial to all the people associated with 'Thug Life'. Calling it a pragmatic decision, Haasan hoped that others would follow this model."It's not even an experiment, but the pragmatic thing to do. I am glad that the OTT partners sat down with us and agreed. It wasn't a negotiation, it was a plan. We hope others can follow this, and it will make the industry its grand release in theatres on June 5, it will stream on Netflix. Reports suggest that the streaming giant secured the rights to the film for a huge sum. 'Thug Life' is a high-stakes gangster drama which will see a stand-off between Kamal Haasan and Simbu's characters. The trailer reminded everyone of Mani Ratnam and Kamal's 'Nayakan'. However, the 'Vishwaroopam' actor maintained that it wasn't a sequel to 'Nayakan'.Apart from headlining 'Thug Life', Kamal Haasan has also produced the film along with Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies and Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Watch
