Actor Shiva Rajkumar has issued a clarification regarding his presence at the promotional event for Thug Life in Karnataka, where fellow actor Kamal Haasan’s remarks on the Kannada language sparked widespread controversy. The row intensified after Kamal Haasan reportedly stated that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” triggering backlash from pro-Kannada organisations and political leaders.
Shiva Rajkumar, who shared the stage with Kamal during the promotional event, responded to allegations suggesting that he supported Kamal’s remarks. Addressing the press, he categorically denied clapping in approval of the controversial statement.
“All the languages are important to us. But when it comes to the mother tongue, Kannada is the first priority, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve said this before, I can give my life for Kannada,” said Shiva. He further added, “I should not tell that [Kamal Haasan must apologise]. He is a senior actor, and I am the biggest fan of him.”
Clarifying the misunderstanding around his gestures at the event, Shiva said, “At the event, I did not understand what was going on. But they’re showing clippings as if I’m clapping for that. I was clapping because he told, he was my chithappa (uncle).”
ಕಮಲ್ ಹಾಸನ್ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ ಸಮರ್ಥನೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲ್ಲ – ಭಾಷೆ ಮಾತಾಡ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಅಂದಾಗ ನಾನು ಕೈ ತಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು ನಿಜ- ಆ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನ್ ಮಾತಾಡ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಅಂತಾ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ – ನಟ ಶಿವಣ್ಣ ಫಸ್ಟ್ ರಿಯಾಕ್ಷನ್#Shivarajkumar #KamalHaasan #Kannada #Kannadigas #Sandalwood pic.twitter.com/onNIVQC682
— PublicTV (@publictvnews) May 31, 2025
Meanwhile, pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has taken a firm stand against the film’s release in Karnataka. According to ANI, members of the organisation visited Victory Cinema Theatre in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, warning theatre owners against screening the film.
Praveen Shetty, representing the group, told the news agency, “Kamal Haasan has spoken against the Kannada language. We will not allow Kamal Haasan’s film to be released in Karnataka. They said that the film will be released at the Victory Cinema. We came here today and told the theatre owners not to release Kamal Haasan’s film. If the film is released, the government will be held responsible for any untoward incidents that follow.”
In response to the backlash, Kamal Haasan has stood by his statement and refused to apologise. Speaking to the media, he said, “It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I’ve been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I’m not, I won’t.”
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has also intervened, imposing a ban on the release of Thug Life in the state unless Kamal Haasan issues a formal apology.
Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thug Life features Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and Trisha Krishnan in lead roles.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)
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