Kamal Haasan Faces Backlash Over Kannada Language Comments Amid Film Promotion

Controversy Surrounds Kamal Haasan's Remarks

Kamal Haasan is currently in the spotlight as he promotes his upcoming film, Thug Life, alongside renowned director Mani Ratnam. His recent statement suggesting that the Kannada language originated from Tamil has ignited significant backlash on social media, leading some users to call for a boycott of his film.

In response to the escalating situation, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma expressed his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the threats to ban the film as a manifestation of a new form of intolerance. He remarked, 'DEMOCRACY’s new name is INTOLERANCE... threats to ban #ThugLife in Karnataka unless @ikamalhaasan apologizes, amounts to a new kind of HOOLIGANISM,' although he later deleted the tweet.

The controversy began during the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai, where Haasan paid homage to his Tamil heritage, stating, 'Uyire Urave Tamizhe,' which translates to 'My life and my family is Tamil.' He further commented to Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, saying, 'Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.'

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has since demanded an apology from Haasan regarding his comments and has threatened to impose a ban on Thug Life in Karnataka.

Haasan has firmly responded to the threats from pro-Kannada groups, asserting, 'It is a democracy. I believe in the law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Only those with an agenda would doubt it. I have faced threats before, and if I am wrong, I will apologize; if not, I will stand my ground.'

In a recent turn of events, Haasan has approached the Karnataka High Court, seeking permission for the release of Thug Life in the state. The petition was filed through Rajkamal Film International, the production company he leads.