Even after Kamal Haasan's recent clarification of his contentious remark tying the Kannada language to Tamil, the Karnataka government has threatened to halt the release of his upcoming film Thug Life.
Shivaraj S Tangadagi, Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, has written to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), demanding them to postpone the film's release until the renowned actor delivers a public apology.
The Minister said that Kamal Haasan’s remarks during the audio launch of Thug Life had caused significant offence to Kannada-speaking communities. He emphasized that any statements perceived as disrespectful towards the Kannada language, land, or water would not be tolerated, regardless of how big the person is.
Referring specifically to Haasan, the Minister pointed out that the actor has previously worked in Kannada films and should, therefore, issue an apology to the people of Karnataka and Kannada speakers without delay.
In response to the controversy, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced that it would not permit the release of Thug Life in Karnataka unless Kamal Haasan makes a public apology by May 30. This decision was reportedly the outcome of a meeting held among key stakeholders in the film industry.
KFCC president M Narasimhalu mentioned that several Kannada groups had called for a ban on Kamal Haasan's film.
Following discussions on the matter, the KFCC concluded that Haasan should issue an apology, acknowledging that his actions were wrong. He also indicated that efforts were underway to initiate a conversation with the actor, The News Minute reported.
Former KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu echoed this sentiment, warning that protests would escalate if Haasan failed to apologise.
He made it clear that there was no sympathy for the actor and stated that Kannada activists would receive full support in opposing the film’s release unless a public apology was made within a day or two.
Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan had previously clarified that his controversial remark was made out of affection, not malice.
Kamal Haasan acknowledged that politicians, including himself, are not qualified to speak authoritatively about languages, suggesting that such complex topics should be left to experts like historians, archaeologists, and linguists. He emphasized that politicians often lack the educational background necessary for such discussions.
Haasan, who leads the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam and has been nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP candidate, made these remarks following controversy over a statement he made at the audio launch of his film Thug Life on May 26.
During the event, he began his speech by expressing his deep affection for the Tamil language. While appreciating the presence of Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, who was a special guest, Haasan commented on the two languages.
Kamal Haasan's comments suggesting a hierarchy among languages sparked backlash and calls for a boycott from Kannada organisations.
Thug Life, featuring Kamal Haasan alongside STR, Trisha, Joju George, Nasser, and others, is scheduled for release on June 5. The film is notable for bringing director Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan back together after nearly 30 years.