Karnataka HC Defers ‘Thug Life’ Release Amid Language Row
The Karnataka High Court has postponed the release of Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film Thug Life in the state to June 10, 2025. The decision comes in the wake of a controversy triggered by Haasan’s recent comments linking the Kannada language to Tamil, which many in Karnataka perceived as a slight to their linguistic identity.
During a promotional event, Haasan had said that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” prompting a wave of protests across Karnataka. Cultural organizations and regional activists accused the actor of undermining the distinctiveness of Kannada, demanding a formal apology before allowing the film’s release. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) echoed these sentiments, warning of a possible statewide boycott of the film unless Haasan issued a clear apology.
Kamal Haasan Remarks
In response to the escalating tensions, Haasan wrote a letter to the KFCC stating that his remarks were made out of affection and not to belittle the Kannada language. He reaffirmed his admiration for Karnataka’s cultural and linguistic heritage but did not include the word “apology” in his communication. This omission drew criticism from the court, which remarked that the actor appeared to be standing firm on his ego rather than showing humility.
Despite asserting that his statements were misunderstood, Haasan has declined to apologize directly. The court, while refraining from issuing any orders against the film’s release, observed that the matter required thoughtful dialogue rather than confrontation. It urged both parties to resolve the dispute amicably and adjourned the matter to June 10.
Karnataka HC Decision
The court’s move to delay the release reflects its attempt to mediate cultural tensions without curbing artistic expression outright. By encouraging communication between Haasan’s production house and Kannada stakeholders, the court is seeking a middle path that upholds both freedom of speech and regional sensitivities.
Thug Life is slated for a nationwide release on June 5 in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. However, its release in Karnataka remains in limbo until the matter sees a resolution. The outcome could set a precedent for how the film industry navigates language politics in a multilingual nation.
