Actor-politician Kamal Haasan is facing a major backlash in Karnataka after his recent remarks on the Kannada language stirred controversy, with the Karnataka government and the Kannada film industry demanding a public apology. Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, on Friday warned that Haasan’s films, including his upcoming release Thug Life, would be banned in the state if he failed to apologise.
The controversy erupted after Haasan, during a promotional event for Thug Life, reportedly claimed that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” The statement sparked outrage among pro-Kannada groups, cultural organisations, and political leaders across party lines.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Minister Tangadagi said, “Irrespective of how big the person is, any comment against Kannada, Kannadigas, or Karnataka’s land and water will not be tolerated. Haasan has to apologise, or as the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has decided, his films will be banned.”
Tangadagi further revealed he had personally requested Kannada star Shivarajkumar to convey the message to Haasan. “I told Shivarajkumar that as a senior actor, he should help Kamal Haasan understand the gravity of the issue. Dr. Rajkumar and his family have contributed immensely to Kannada culture, and we cannot tolerate any insult to the language.”
The KFCC on Thursday had announced that it would not allow the release of Thug Life in Karnataka unless Haasan issued a public apology by May 30. KFCC President M Narasimhalu said distributors and exhibitors themselves had voluntarily decided not to screen the film in solidarity with the people of Karnataka.
“We are not enforcing a legal ban,” Narasimhalu clarified, “but distributors and exhibitors feel they cannot go against the sentiments of the Kannadigas. The industry stands with Kannada organisations and the people.”
Narasimhalu also said that the KFCC is in contact with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and their president Ravi Kottarakara has reached out to Haasan. “He may be hesitant to apologise due to political reasons, but we hope there will be clarity in a day or two,” he added.
However, in Chennai, Kamal Haasan stood firm and reiterated that he would not apologise. He said he believed in law and justice and reiterated his love for Karnataka. “Such threats are not new. I have been threatened in the past as well,” Haasan said.
The issue has now snowballed into a full-blown cultural and political storm, with widespread calls from Kannada organisations to boycott Haasan’s films unless he retracts his remarks. While no legal action has been initiated, the sentiment against the actor in Karnataka appears strong.
As the situation intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Kamal Haasan will reconsider his stance or if Thug Life will face a de facto ban in Karnataka.
Sources By Agencies
