Kamal Haasan Faces Karnataka Film Ban Over Kannada Remark
Karnataka’s Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has issued a sharp rebuke to actor-politician Kamal Haasan over his remark suggesting that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” Tangadagi has demanded a public apology from Haasan, failing which the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) will prevent the release of Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life in the state.
Tangadagi remarked, “I have written a letter. After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn’t apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture.”
The minister’s comments have reignited language-based tensions that often run high in the southern states, where linguistic identity is closely linked to cultural pride.
KFCC Moves to Block ‘Thug Life’ Release in Karnataka
The KFCC has backed the minister’s stance and declared that it will not permit the release of Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life in Karnataka unless an apology is issued. KFCC President M Narasimhalu stated that local exhibitors and distributors have come together and decided to boycott the film under Haasan’s name if the matter is not resolved.
The uproar began when Kamal Haasan made the remark during a promotional event for Thug Life in Chennai, where he stated, “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” The statement has triggered swift backlash from pro-Kannada groups and Kannada cultural advocates across Karnataka. Protests and condemnation followed, with many viewing the remark as a deliberate distortion of linguistic history.
Kamal Haasan Responds: Will Apologise Only If Proven Wrong
Kamal Haasan has stood by his statement, stating that he would not offer an apology unless proven wrong. The actor, known for his firm positions, said, “I will apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won’t apologise. It’s my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with that.”
Haasan also recalled his solidarity with the Kannada community in the past, particularly during the kidnapping of Kannada icon Dr. Rajkumar, where he had openly voiced support. The South Indian Artistes’ Association has rallied behind Haasan, requesting the Karnataka government to view his comment in context rather than as an insult to Kannada culture.
The controversy could not have come at a more politically sensitive time. Speculations are rife that Kamal Haasan may enter the Rajya Sabha via support from the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu. The DMK has named three candidates, and Haasan is believed to be the choice of their alliance partner, Makkal Needhi Maiam.
Linguistic Tensions Cast Shadow on Film and Politics
This isn’t just about a film or a remark — it reflects the underlying linguistic anxieties and competitive regional identities in southern India. Language-based disputes, especially involving Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, have historical precedence and often manifest in emotionally charged ways.
By drawing a connection between Tamil and Kannada, Haasan may have touched a historical nerve, one that continues to be politically and emotionally sensitive in Karnataka. While Tamil has ancient roots and Kannada too has a rich literary and linguistic legacy, assertions of linguistic supremacy are bound to trigger reaction.
As the storm brews, Thug Life remains caught in the crossfire of political controversy, cultural pride, and cinematic stakes.
