The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday sharply criticized actor Kamal Haasan over his controversial statement claiming Kannada is derived from Tamil, warning against misusing the right to free speech to hurt public sentiments. The court questioned why the police should be burdened with providing security for what it described as Haasan’s “mistake.”
The comments came during a hearing on Haasan’s petition seeking police protection for the screening of his upcoming film Thug Life across Karnataka’s theatres and multiplexes. A division bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna pulled up the actor for refusing to apologise, even as protests continue to erupt across the state.
“You want to profit from the people of Karnataka, and you won’t apologise to them? Then why release the film here?” the court asked. “Even I want to watch the movie, but I am unable to because of the controversy. The cinema is made to earn profit — why should police provide protection for your mistake?”
The court recalled how statesman C. Rajagopalachari had issued a similar statement in 1950 but had later apologised despite having no commercial motive. “If such a great man could apologise, why not Kamal Haasan — especially when there’s a commercial interest involved?” the bench noted.
Haasan had triggered backlash after stating that Kannada has its roots in Tamil, a remark widely perceived as dismissive of the Kannada language. Despite public outrage, the actor has stood by his comments and refused to issue an apology.
His counsel told the court that Haasan had not insulted Kannada and that the comment was made “with love.” However, the court remained unconvinced and adjourned the hearing until 2:30 p.m., asking the counsel to clarify Haasan’s stance on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Industries convened a meeting to consider banning Thug Life in the state. Commenting on the issue, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the state government for remaining silent. “Kamal is a celebrated actor and it’s understandable that he loves Tamil. But that doesn’t give him the right to insult Kannada. It’s not too late — he should apologise to the people of Karnataka,” Vijayendra said.
