Actor and DMK stooge Kamal Haasan has issued a detailed response to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) after the body announced a ban on the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka. The controversy stems from remarks Haasan made at the film’s audio launch in Chennai, where he said, “Kannada is born out of Tamil”—a statement that sparked backlash from Kannada groups and political leaders.
In a letter addressed to the KFCC President, Haasan expressed regret over the misunderstanding and reaffirmed his respect for the people of Karnataka and their language. “I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity. It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch — spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar’s family, especially Shiva Rajkumar — has been misunderstood and taken out of context. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way,” Haasan wrote.
The veteran actor and producer, who is also the founder of Raajkamal Film International, underlined his admiration for the Kannada language and culture. “There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of the Kannada language. Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue,” he added.
Haasan reiterated his long-standing commitment to linguistic harmony across India, writing: “My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam — and all languages of this land — is abiding and heartfelt. I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of the Union of India.”
Addressing the core of the controversy, the actor explained that his remarks were meant to foster cultural unity, not provoke division. “I know and speak the language of Cinema. Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also only to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us. It is this love and bond that my seniors taught me, which I wanted to share. It is out of this love and bond that Shivanna attended the audio launch event. I regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this. But I’m sure our true love and respect for each other will always remain and get firmer now.”
He concluded the letter by urging for reconciliation and reaffirming his faith in cinema as a unifying medium: “Cinema must remain a bridge between people — never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement, and I have never been nor would ever want to give any room for public unrest and animosity. I sincerely hope my words are received in the spirit they were intended, and that my enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognised in its true light. I earnestly believe that this misunderstanding is temporary and an opportunity to reiterate our mutual love and respect.”
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on 3 June 2025 began hearing petitions filed by Raajkamal Film Ventures, seeking to restrain authorities, including the KFCC, from preventing the screening or release of Thug Life in Karnataka. During the hearing, the court sharply criticised Kamal Haasan over his remark suggesting Kannada originated from Tamil, calling it hurtful to public sentiment. Justice M. Nagaprasanna questioned Haasan’s authority to make such statements and said public figures must act responsibly. The court found Haasan’s clarification lacking, noting it lacked an apology, and emphasised that freedom of speech cannot justify offending linguistic sentiments. Highlighting the unrest caused, the judge advised Haasan to apologise, stating, “You want to earn from here.” The court adjourned the matter, urging discretion and reminding that “you cannot unscramble a scrambled egg.”
The film is scheduled for release on 5 June 2025.
(With inputs from Times Of India)
