Kamal Haasan Refuses to Apologize, Halts Karnataka Release of ‘Thug Life’ Amid Language Dispute

Actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan announced on Tuesday. He stated that his upcoming film Thug Life will not be released in Karnataka for the time being. This decision follows ongoing controversy. The issue was sparked by a remark he made about the Kannada language during a recent promotional event.

Raajkamal Films International appeared before the Karnataka High Court. Haasan’s production house maintained there was no need for an apology. The company submitted a written response. It addressed the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce’s (KFCC) call for an apology over the contentious statement.

The court criticized Haasan’s comment—reportedly suggesting that Kannada originated from Tamil—as being inflammatory and causing unrest in Karnataka. It remarked that while India is home to many languages, the nation must remain united. The bench also observed Haasan is a well-known public figure. However, his popularity does not give him license to hurt public sentiments.

Granting him time until 2:30 p.m. The court emphasized that “discretion is the better part of valour.” It warned that personal expressions should not come at the cost of social harmony. The court made these observations during a plea hearing. It was filed by Raajkamal Films International. They were seeking clearance for the film’s release in the state.

The hearing was later adjourned to June 10.

The controversy began when Haasan, during a promotional event in Chennai, allegedly claimed that Kannada is derived from Tamil. This statement drew strong reactions from Kannada advocacy groups and the KFCC, who demanded a public apology.

Following this, the KFCC announced a ban on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka. During a press interaction on May 30 in Bengaluru, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu expressed that the chamber stands in solidarity with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. The chamber also supports other Kannada organizations in their demand for an apology before the film can be released.

“There’s no indication of an apology from Kamal Haasan. Until he apologizes, the film will not be allowed to release here. Govindu added that the KFCC would uphold the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking population.

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