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Key Points

Kamal Haasan's latest film, Thug Life, faces a ban from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce after the actor's comment on the Kannada language ignited protests. The controversy arose after Haasan reportedly claimed that "Kannada is born out of Tamil" during a promotional event. The ban will remain until Haasan issues a public apology, as stated by KFCC's Sa Ra Govindu. Criticism from notable figures like Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah and Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad further fueled the debate over regional language pride and national unity.

Key Points: Kamal Haasan's Thug Life Banned in Karnataka Over Language Row

  • KFCC bans Thug Life due to Haasan's controversial language remark
  • Protests erupt in Karnataka led by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike
  • Kamal Haasan criticized by CM Siddaramaiah and Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad
  • Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam features Kamal Haasan in a lead role
3 min read

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce bans Kamal Haasan's Thug Life release

KFCC halts Kamal Haasan's Thug Life release in Karnataka after his Kannada language remark sparks controversy and protests.

"Definitely, there is no 'Sorry' term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan. - Sa Ra Govindu/KFCC"

Bengaluru, May 30

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has banned the release of Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life over the actor's controversial remark about the Kannada language during the audio launch of his movie in Chennai last week.

During the media interaction in Bengaluru on Friday, Sa Ra Govindu, representative of KFCC, said that they have decided to ban the release of Kamal Haasan starrer 'Thug Life' in Karnataka as they stand firm 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.

The KFCC representative said that Kamal Haasan has not issued an apology yet for hurting the sentiments of Kannada people during his promotional event in Chennai.

He said, "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."

Kamal Haasan and his movie 'Thug Life' came under the radar of controversy in Karnataka after the actor reportedly stated that "Kannada is born out of Tamil" during a promotional event in Chennai.

Following it, the protests were held near the INOX cinema hall in Karnataka's Belagavi against Kamal Haasan. The protests were organised by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike organisation, which expressed its anger and demanded the actor's apology over the issue.

On Wednesday, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised Kamal Haasan following his reported remark about the Kannada language, stating that he was not aware of the "long-standing" history of the language.

"Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it," the Karnataka CM said.

Congress MLA from Karnataka Rizwan Arshad expressed his disappointment over Haasan's remark, calling it unfortunate and questioning the necessity of such a debate at a time when national unity is paramount.

"What kind of a debate is this? The Kannada language has a history of thousands of years... Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages and part of our country's foundation... Is this debate necessary at a time when all of us have to be united? ... I did not expect Kamal Haasan to make such a statement. It is unfortunate," Arshad said.

'Thug Life' is directed by Mani Ratnam and stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
As a Kamal Haasan fan, this is really disappointing. He should have been more careful with his words, especially when promoting a film in another state. Language sentiments run deep in India. Hope he apologizes soon and this gets resolved 🤞
P
Priya M.
While I respect Karnataka's language pride, banning films isn't the solution. This sets a bad precedent for artistic freedom. Both Kannada and Tamil are beautiful ancient languages - why create unnecessary conflicts?
V
Vikram S.
KFCC is absolutely right to take this stand! When will these Tamil actors learn to respect other languages? This isn't the first time such comments have hurt Kannadigas. No apology = no release. Simple.
A
Ananya R.
As someone from Bengaluru, I'm torn. On one hand, Kamal sir's comment was insensitive. On the other, I was really looking forward to this Mani Ratnam film! 😔 Can't we separate the art from the artist sometimes?
S
Sanjay T.
The real losers here are the theater owners and workers who depend on big releases like this. Political parties and organizations always use language issues for their own agenda while common people suffer.
M
Meena P.
Instead of banning, why not have a healthy discussion about language history? Both Tamil and Kannada are proud parts of our Indian heritage. Let's not fall for these divisive tactics.
K
Karthik B.
Kamal Haasan is known for his progressive views, but this time he messed up big time. When will celebrities understand that

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