Karnataka Film Industry Threatens Thug Life Ban; Demand Apology From Kamal Haasan Over Language Comment

Hyderabad: Actor Kamal Haasan's remark that "Kannada originated from Tamil" has ignited a major controversy in Karnataka. Pro-Kannada groups, activists, and film personalities have condemned the statement, demanding an immediate public apology from the veteran actor.

In response to the outrage, a crucial meeting was held at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). It said on Thursday 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 remark about the Kannada language.

Participants included Chamber president Narasimhalu, former presidents Sara Govind and Thomas, actor Jayamala, and other key industry figures. KFCC former president Sa Ra Govindu said if Haasan doesn't apologise by tomorrow, KFCC will not allow the film to be released here.

"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 apologises publicly," said Govindu.

Actor Jayamala, who headed KFCC between 2008 and 2010 said, "Whenever there is a language controversy, all Kannadigas must unite -- that is our duty. Whether Kamal Haasan spoke knowingly or unknowingly, his statement was wrong. Kannada was not born out of Tamil." She also said there is nothing wrong in expressing regret for a mistake instead of trying to justify it.

"We are trying to talk to him and help him understand that his words were deeply hurtful to Kannadigas. It is his moral responsibility to apologise," she added.

Amid mounting pressure, Venkatesh Kamalkar, the film's distributor, was summoned for a one-hour closed-door meeting. He revealed that Kamal Haasan might respond or apologise within a couple of days.

Protests have erupted across the state, with activists burning Kamal Haasan's portraits. Minister Shivraj S Thangadagi also wrote to the Chamber, calling the remarks "painful" and urging an apology. Several prominent Kannada personalities, including Nagabharana, Nagatihalli Chandrashekhar, and Sumalatha Ambarish, have also voiced their disapproval.

Kamal made the comments at a promotional event of his upcoming film Thug Life, and it set off a tempest in the state, with much of the social media debate changing from Kamal's comments to questions about the history of the Kannada language. Actor Shiva Rajkumar, who was in attendance at the promotional event, has now responded to the uproar.

While speaking at a private event in Bengaluru, Shiva was respectful in addressing the situation while articulating his position. "I like Kamal Haasan very much. My father and Kamal Haasan's relationship is special. However, I have become a fan of his by watching his films. I feel that Kamal Haasan is an inspiration to me. He invited us to his event. That's all I went to the event for," Shiva Rajkumar said, showing his deep admiration for the actor.

He further said, "Kannada should not be called Kannada just by mouth. I will fight for Kannada, I will die for Kannada. You say Kannada, but you only support star actors. Newcomers should also be nurtured. Kamal Haasan knows all this. He will fix it himself. Don't make a big deal out of what he has said," clarifying that he did not see Haasan's words as an attack on Kannada, but rather something that had been misunderstood.

Shiva Rajkumar acknowledged Haasan's long history of respect for Kannada, recalling how the actor, who has acted in several Kannada films, has always spoken highly of the language whenever he visited Bengaluru. "Kamal Haasan has great respect for Kannada. He loves the Kannada language. He has even acted in Kannada films. Whenever he comes to Bengaluru, he speaks highly about Kannada," Shiva Rajkumar said, emphasising Haasan's ongoing appreciation for the language.

Despite the backlash, the Om actor downplayed the controversy, urging that the issue be left in Haasan's hands. "I don't think Kamal Haasan meant anything disrespectful. He will fix it himself if he feels the need to," Shiva Rajkumar explained. He stressed that love for Kannada should be a continuous, not reactionary feeling. "Love for Kannada should always be in the heart. It's not just about talking or posing for headlines."

Kamal Haasan, on his part, responded to the controversy during the promotional tour of Thug Life, clarifying that his words were spoken with affection and not meant to offend anyone. "What I said was said out of love and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything. Tamil Nadu is a state where a Menon has been our Chief Minister, where a Reddy has been our Chief Minister, a Tamil has been our CM, and a Kannadiga Iyengar has been our CM... 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..." Haasan explained. He further stated that discussions on the history of languages should be left to historians and experts, not politicians or actors.

Haasan's comment had provoked various responses from political figures in Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Kannada is a vibrant language with its own outstanding history. Some others, including BJP leaders and Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, expressed their displeasure, saying Haasan's comment was unnecessary and insulting to Kannadigas. By contrast, DMK defended Haasan, and argued that his comment was a comment about history and not a comment against Kannada.

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