Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has firmly stood his ground amid growing backlash over his reported remarks about the Kannada language during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life. Addressing media on Friday, Haasan stated that he would not apologise unless he believed he was wrong, asserting his faith in “law and democracy.”
The controversy erupted after Haasan allegedly remarked during the Chennai event that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” which triggered protests in Karnataka. Several pro-Kannada groups, including the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, demanded a public apology, warning of a boycott of Thug Life if he failed to do so.
Speaking outside the DMK headquarters in Chennai, Haasan defended his comments and reiterated his affection for Karnataka and other southern states. “This is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Only those with an agenda would doubt it. I’ve been threatened before too. If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t,” he said.
In response, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on the release of Thug Life in the state. KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu declared solidarity with Kannada organisations and asserted that the film would not be allowed to release until Haasan issues a public apology.
“There is no apology from Kamal Haasan. We will surely not release the film. We stand with Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations,” Govindu told reporters in Bengaluru.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in, criticising Haasan’s understanding of the Kannada language’s heritage. “Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,” the CM said.
Thug Life, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, stars Kamal Haasan alongside Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR. The film has now become the center of a cultural and linguistic controversy that threatens to impact its regional release.
