Latest news with #pro-Kannada
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kamal Haasan's films will be banned in Karnataka if he does not apologise: Kannada and Culture Minister
Kannada and Culture Minister of Karnataka, Shivaraj Tangadagi, said on Friday 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 Kamal 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 Kamal 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 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 here, 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. Kamal 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 Kamal Haasan. ALSO READ:Thug Life release in limbo in Karnataka, Kamal Haasan must apologise in two days, says film chamber "I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage in an event. 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.
Hans India
17 hours ago
- Hans India
Kannada activist booked for burning posters of Kamal Haasan
Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against a Kannada activist for allegedly burning posters of actor Kamal Haasan as a mark of protest against his recent controversial statement about the Kannada language, police said on Friday. The incident occurred near Pavitra Paradise Circle,B Road, Basaveshwaranagar here, they said. According to the police, on May 28 at around 11.45 pm, Ravikumar, president of Namma Karunada Yuva Sene, gathered near Pavitra Paradise Circle and started burning posters of Haasan. His act not only disturbed public peace but also caused hindrance to vehicular movement on road at midnight, a senior police officer said. 'Based on the complaint of a policeman on duty, we have registered a case against the president of the pro-Kannada outfit yesterday (Thursday) at Basaveshwaranagar police station under sections 270 (public nuisance) and 283 (deliberately mislead navigators using false signals such as lights, marks, or buoys) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway,' he added. Actor-politician Haasan's recent statement claiming 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' during a promotional event for his upcoming film 'Thug Life' has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations.
Hindustan Times
20 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.
Hans India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
I won't apologise if I am not wrong, says Kamal Haasan
Chennai: Actor Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise for his remark on the Kannada language that sparked a controversy in Karnataka, asserting that he would not apologise if he was not wrong. The statement was made while promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, which is now facing a possible release ban in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Friday,Kamal Haasan said, 'I will apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won't apologise. It's my lifestyle, please don't tamper with that.' He added that his comments were not intended to hurt anyone and reiterated his respect for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The controversy erupted following the audio launch of Thug Life, where Kamal Haasan said, 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada.' The remark drew sharp criticism from pro-Kannada groups, who accused the actor of belittling Kannada and hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas. Protests have since erupted across Karnataka, with some activists threatening to block the release of the film. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has since demanded an apology from the actor within two days, warning that Thug Life, scheduled for release on June 5, may not be allowed to hit theatres in the state otherwise. Kamal Haasan responded to the threats by saying, 'I have been threatened before. This is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice.' Despite attempts at damage control, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with several pro-Kannada organisations calling for a boycott of the film. The actor has previously said that his statement was made 'out of love' for the Kannada language and was not meant to provoke.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Bengaluru Police arrest pro-Kannada activist for burning Kamal Haasan's photo amid controversy over actor's remarks
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 30 (ANI): A pro-Kannada activist was on Thursday arrested for allegedly setting fire to a photo of actor Kamal Haasan near Havanur Circle in Karnataka's Bengaluru, police said on Friday. According to Bengaluru Police officials, the activist Ravikumara (33), a Namma Karunada Yuva Sene member, was caught disrupting traffic and disturbing residents on Thursday. They said that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against him under Sections 270 and 283 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The incident comes after recent controversy surrounding the actor's reported remark that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil.' The statement by the actor has led to several protests in Karnataka by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations. Earlier on Friday, Kamal Haasan responded to the protests and calls for a boycott of his upcoming film, Thug Life. Speaking to the media outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai, he said, 'It is a democracy. I believe in 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 before too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise; if I'm not, I won't.' Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on the release of Thug Life in the state, citing the actor's remarks on the Kannada language. Sa Ra Govindu, KFCC representative, said that they have decided to ban the release of Kamal Haasan starrer 'Thug Life' in Karnataka as they stand firmly with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations for their demands of halting the release of the film until the actor issues a pubic apology. Speaking to the media, the KFCC representative said that Kamal Haasan has not yet issued an apology for hurting the sentiments of the Kannada people during his promotional event in Chennai. 'When there is pressure, I have to do. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it. Even they would speak about it. Definitely, there is no 'Sorry' term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan. We will surely not release the film. We (KFCC) will stand with Rakshina Vedike and other Kannada organisations,' he said. On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised Kamal Haasan for his remarks, saying he was unaware of Kannada's 'long-standing' history. 'Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,' the Chief Minister said. Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, also stars Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR in lead roles. (ANI)
