Kamal Haasan Says ‘Thug Life’ Will Not Release in Karnataka For Now Amid Language Row
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s upcoming movie ‘Thug Life’ will not be released in Karnataka for the time being, his production company Raajkamal Films International informed the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday. This development unfolds amidst a significant controversy sparked by Haasan’s recent remark that the Kannada language was “born out of Tamil,” which has drawn widespread criticism and led to a ban by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC).
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement. While hearing a plea filed by Raajkamal Films International seeking the release of ‘Thug Life’ in the state, the court made strong verbal observations, stating that Haasan “might be a popular film star but that does not permit him to “hurt public sentiments”.”
The court had granted the actor time till 2:30 pm on Tuesday to “make amends” for his statement. “Discretion is the best part of valour, we will not permit anybody’s sentiments to be taken for a ride. Mistakes happen, you must know what to do when mistakes happen,” the High Court observed. Following this, Haasan’s production house conveyed the decision to withhold the film’s release in Karnataka for now.
The controversy erupted after Kamal Haasan reportedly made the statement “Kannada is born out of Tamil” during a promotional event for ‘Thug Life’ in Chennai last month. This led to an uproar among Kannada organizations and the public, who deemed the remark offensive and historically inaccurate.
Last week, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on the release of ‘Thug Life’ in the state, demanding a public apology from Kamal Haasan. KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu had stated that the chamber stood firm with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organizations in halting the film’s release until the actor apologized for hurting the sentiments of Kannada people.
“When there is pressure, I have to do. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it… Definitely, there is no ‘Sorry’ term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan. We will surely not release the film,” Govindu was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, emphasizing that Haasan had not yet issued an apology.
The decision by Kamal Haasan’s production company to temporarily halt the release in Karnataka appears to be a direct consequence of the mounting pressure and the High Court’s stern stance. The future of ‘Thug Life’s’ release in the state now likely hinges on further developments, including a potential apology from the actor.
