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Kamal Haasan Withholds 'Thug Life' Release in Karnataka After Refusing to Apologise

Refusal to apologise over his “Kannada was born out of Tamil” comment led the court to defer his film’s Karnataka release until a June 10 hearing.

Bengaluru: Kannada activists hold posters of actor Kamal Haasan during a protest against the latter for his remarks about the Kannada language.
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Kamal Haasan faced backlash for his comment on the Kannada language at a promotional event for Thug Life. (Photo by SUJIT JAISWAL / AFP)
Actor Kamal Haasan's remark on Kannada language during the promotion of his upcoming film Thug Life has sparked a row.

Overview

  • The Karnataka High Court reprimanded Kamal Haasan for stating that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” and urged him to issue a public apology to calm regional sentiment.
  • Haasan stood by his “nothing to apologise for” stance and notified the bench he would withhold Thug Life’s Karnataka debut “for now,” even withdrawing his plea for police protection.
  • The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce blocked the film’s planned June 5 opening in the state, insisting on an apology under pressure from pro-Kannada organisations.
  • In an open letter to the KFCC, Haasan maintained his words were expressions of unity and respect for Kannada without conceding any wrongdoing.
  • A June 10 hearing will determine whether negotiations with the KFCC can break the impasse over linguistic pride and free expression.