Part-time politician and full-time actor Kamal Haasan is on a promotion spree for his latest film, Thug Life. He has once again proved his knack for controversy over language. He recently stirred fresh outrage with a divisive and historically questionable claim that Kannada “was born out of Tamil.” Haasan’s dismissive attitude toward other languages, including his open disrespect for Sanskrit, reveals a narrow mindset that fuels unnecessary regional tensions rather than fostering unity.
Hate For Sanskrit
Speaking to Cinema Vikatan on the title of the film, Haasan said, “We thought a variety of titles for the film. If I talk about all that, you will laugh. It was unconnected to the film, and he also did not like it either. I also kept giving more names, I felt something good might come out of it. I suggested “Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge”. It was Cho sir’s title, what Lord Krishna said, “I will incarnate again and again. I will happen again and again.” or something like I will come back again and again. I suggested it because it seemed related to the film. But the point is both of us do not respect “North Indian language” (Sanskrit). It is just a useful tool. I only have respect for the Tamil language. I don’t understand it. It’s not a language we speak daily.”
‘Kannada Born From Tamil’
Kamal Haasan stirred a fresh controversy over language identity after claiming that Kannada “was born out of Tamil” during a public event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The remark has triggered sharp political reactions and public outrage in Karnataka, with the BJP and pro-Kannada groups condemning his statement and demanding an unconditional apology.
Speaking at an event in Chennai just weeks after the trailer release of his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’, Haasan opened his speech with the phrase “Uyire Urave Tamizhe”, which translates to “My life, and my family, is in Tamil language”.
Referring to the presence of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar at the same event, Haasan said, “This is my family in that place. That’s why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That’s why I began my speech by saying, life, family and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included (part of it).”
kamal hassan said, Kannada was born out of Tamil language..😂
Language activists in Karnataka are awfully silent on this issue because they are getting funded by the same missionary mafia that's holding power in TamilNadu !#Savarkar #FogoChainpic.twitter.com/Iiil2uIGiz
— Revenge mode (@Pora_Babu) May 28, 2025
His comments, perceived as undermining the Kannada language’s independent heritage, drew swift criticism in Karnataka.
Kamal Haasan, now riding on the success of acquiring a Rajya Sabha nomination from DMK, the very party he swore to clean up TN of, seems to show his loyalty by exposing his hatred for Sanskrit blatantly.
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