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Key Points

Kamal Haasan finds himself embroiled in controversy over a comment regarding the Kannada language, made during the promotion of his film 'Thug Life'. Pro-Kannada organizations are demanding an apology from the actor, threatening to boycott his film in Karnataka. Standing firm, Haasan emphasized his belief in democracy and justice, asserting that he would not apologize if he felt he was not at fault. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, has banned the release of 'Thug Life' in solidarity with the protesting groups.

Key Points: Kamal Haasan Stands Firm Amid 'Thug Life' Kannada Row

  • Kamal Haasan asserts no apology if not wrong
  • Kannada groups threaten 'Thug Life' boycott
  • KFCC halts release amid language controversy
  • Haasan affirms belief in democracy and justice
3 min read

Won't apologise if I am not wrong: Kamal Haasan on boycott calls for 'Thug Life' amid his Kannada language remark row

Kamal Haasan refuses to apologize amid 'Thug Life' backlash, asserting faith in democracy.

"I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka is true. - Kamal Haasan"

Chennai, May 30

Actor Kamal Haasan on Friday reiterated his faith in "law and democracy" while responding to the ongoing controversy around his purported remark on the Kannada language during the promotion of his movie 'Thug Life' in Chennai.

Terming India as a "democratic country," the actor stated that he won't "apologise" to anyone for his actions if he is "not wrong". Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people.

Kamal Haasan and his movie 'Thug Life' got caught in a controversy in Karnataka after the actor reportedly stated that "Kannada is born out of Tamil" during a promotional event in Chennai. It led to several protests in Karanataka by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations.

Responding to the warning by pro-Kannada groups who threatened to boycott his film if he does not apologise for his remarks, the actor said that he believes in "law" and "justice" since India is a "democratic" country.

Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai, Haasan said, "It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not, I won't."

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has banned the release of 'Thug Life' over the actor's purported remarks on Kannada language.

Speaking to mediapersons in Bengaluru today 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 firmly 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 yet issued an apology for hurting the sentiments of the 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."

On Wednesday, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised Kamal Haasan for 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 Chief Minister said.

'Thug Life,' directed by Mani Ratnam also stars Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR in lead roles.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
P
Priya K.
As someone who loves both Tamil and Kannada cinema, this controversy is unnecessary. Language pride shouldn't become language ego. Kamal sir has always respected all Indian languages - let's not take things out of context. 🤷‍♀️
R
Rahul M.
While I respect Kamal Haasan as an artist, he should be more careful with his words. Language is an emotional issue in India. A simple clarification would have cooled tempers instead of this stubborn stand.
A
Ananya S.
This is so disappointing! Banning films over comments? What happened to freedom of expression? Next they'll ban Rajinikanth films in Karnataka and Puneeth films in TN. Where does this end? 🙄
V
Vikram J.
As a Kannadiga, I feel hurt by his remarks. But banning the film is too much. Let people decide whether to watch it or not. Our language is strong enough to not need such protectionism.
S
Shalini P.
Both sides are wrong here. Kamal shouldn't have made such statements during film promotion, and Karnataka groups shouldn't threaten bans. This only benefits politicians looking to divide us on linguistic lines.
K
Karthik R.
The real thugs here are those trying to sabotage a film over comments. Kamal sir has given us decades of great cinema - let's not reduce his legacy to this controversy. #LetArtThrive

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