Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, on 30 May 2025 confirmed that actor Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life will be banned in the state unless the actor issues a public apology for his recent remark about the Kannada language.
Haasan, while promoting Thug Life, reportedly claimed that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” sparking widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups, cultural organisations, and political leaders across party lines. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) echoed the sentiment and demanded an apology from the veteran actor by 30 May 2025.
“I have written a letter. After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn’t apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture,” said Minister Tangadagi.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Tangadagi stated unequivocally, “We will not allow it, if he doesn’t apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn’t apologise, we will take our decision.”
Asked directly whether Haasan’s films would be banned without an apology, Tangadagi responded, “Yes.”
The minister revealed that he had personally spoken to Kannada film star Shivarajkumar about the controversy and urged him to convey the seriousness of the matter to Haasan. “Dr Rajkumar and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaigas have also nurtured them. As a senior actor, you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it,” he said.
Tangadagi referenced earlier incidents, including a controversy involving singer Sonu Nigam, to underline that disparaging comments about Kannada by outsiders would not be tolerated. “We want to see Kamal Haasan as an actor, but not as an actor limited to one language, because he has acted in all languages. Respecting actors is our duty, but when it comes to language, whoever it is—language is first, rest all later. So there is no question of compromise,” he said.
KFCC president M Narasimhalu confirmed that the ban decision had the support of exhibitors and distributors, who had voluntarily decided not to screen Thug Life if an apology wasn’t issued. “The industry is with Kannada organisations and the people,” Narasimhalu said.
He clarified that no legal action was being taken, but that the exhibitors and distributors had resolved to support the Kannada cause. “Political leaders have also condemned his statement—whether those in the government or those from the opposition. We are not taking any action legally, but the exhibitors and distributors themselves are saying that they will not screen the movie and will screen other films. They have taken the decision by themselves. We are not saying don’t release or ban,” he added.
The KFCC is reportedly in touch with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and its president Ravi Kottarakara is in communication with Haasan. Narasimhalu noted that Haasan might be refusing to apologise due to political reasons but expressed hope that clarity would emerge soon. “During such incidents, star actors in the past have apologised, such things have happened, nothing new,” he added.
Former KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu said, “We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film’s release unless he apologises publicly.”
At a media interaction in Bengaluru on Friday, 30 May 2025, Govindu announced that Thug Life would be banned in Karnataka due to Haasan’s refusal to apologise. “When there is pressure, I have to do. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it. Even they would speak about it. Definitely, there is no ‘Sorry’ term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan,” he said. “We will surely not release the film. We [KFCC] will stand with Rakshina Vedike and other Kannada organisations,” he added.
Kamal Haasan Chennai Press Meet
In Chennai, Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise. “This is a democratic country. I believe in law and justice. I believe love will always triumph. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except those who have an agenda. I have been threatened before,” he said.
“If I am wrong, I will apologise. If I am not, then I won’t,” Haasan said.
“I will not apologise if I am not wrong” – Kamal Haasan pic.twitter.com/9rXJ3Iq6yS
— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta31) May 30, 2025
In an earlier interview, Haasan attempted to clarify his comments: “I think what I said was said with a lot of love. Historians have taught me the language history…I didn’t mean anything. And, let me tell you, Tamil Nadu is a place which has been open. I don’t say there is no other state like this. But a very rare state where a Menon (MG Ramachandran) has been our Chief Minister…a Reddy (Omandur Ramasamy Reddiyar) has been our Chief Minister, a Tamilian (M Karunanidhi) has been our Chief Minister and then a Kannadiga Iyengar has been our CM from Mandya,” Haasan said, as quoted by PTI.
WTH he means by the language from the North? pic.twitter.com/ObqeKyBKN2
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) May 28, 2025
Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan TR, and a host of others including Abhirami, Sanya Malhotra, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf, and Vaiyapuri.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.