Kamal Haasan refuses to apologize for his Kannada remark, leading to a ban on ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka
Kannada Controversy: ‘Thug Life’ Faces Karnataka Ban Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has refused to apologize for his controversial remark about the Kannada language’s origins, leading to a ban on his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka. The Karnataka High Court reprimanded Haasan, questioning the basis of his statement, and suggested that an apology could have resolved the issue.
Despite mounting pressure from Kannada activists and political leaders, Haasan has stood his ground, stating that his remarks were based on historical interpretations and made out of love for languages.
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The Kannada Controversy: What Did Kamal Haasan Say?
During the audio launch of ‘Thug Life’, Haasan claimed that Kannada was born out of Tamil, a statement that sparked outrage among Kannada speakers. The remark led to protests, with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) demanding a public apology before allowing the film’s release in the state.
The Karnataka High Court, while hearing Haasan’s plea for police protection for the film’s release, questioned his historical authority, asking, “Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement?”.
Legal Battle & High Court’s Response
Haasan approached the Karnataka High Court after KFCC announced that ‘Thug-Life’ would not be screened in Karnataka unless he apologized. The court observed that language is an emotional and cultural identity, and no individual has the right to undermine the pride of a linguistic community.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the hearing, remarked, “A single apology could have resolved the situation.” However, Haasan’s counsel maintained that the actor had not insulted Kannada and therefore had nothing to apologize for.
Political & Industry Reactions
The controversy has divided opinions within the film industry and political circles:
- Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi warned that Haasan’s films would be banned in Karnataka if he refused to apologize.
- Kannada activists staged protests, demanding that Haasan withdraw his statement.
- Tamil Nadu leaders defended Haasan, arguing that historical interpretations should not be politicized.
Meanwhile, Haasan has expressed his respect for all languages, stating, “Love will never apologize.”
Conclusion
Kamal Haasan’s refusal to apologize has escalated tensions between Tamil and Kannada linguistic communities, leading to a ban on ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka. While the legal battle continues, the controversy highlights the sensitive nature of linguistic identity in India. As Haasan prepares for the nationwide release of ‘Thug Life’, the question remains, will he reconsider his stance, or will the film remain absent from Karnataka’s theaters?
Also read – Deepika Padukone on ‘Spirit’ Controversy