Overview

• The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has maintained its ban on ‘Thug Life’ until Kamal Haasan issues a public apology for saying Kannada emerged from Tamil.
• Pro-Kannada organizations such as Karnataka Rakshana Vedike have escalated protests, burning Haasan’s effigies and warning theatre owners against screening the film.
• Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi backed the Chamber’s decision and threatened a statewide ban on all Kamal Haasan films if no apology is forthcoming.
• Haasan has reiterated that he will apologize only if he believes he is wrong, citing his commitment to law, justice and genuine affection for Karnataka.
• Producers and the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce plan to seek judicial intervention to lift the ban before the June 5 release.