Karnataka High Court Urges Kamal Haasan to Apologize for Controversial Remarks on Kannada Language

Court's Warning to Kamal Haasan

On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court advised actor and politician Kamal Haasan to issue an apology for his recent statement claiming that Kannada originated from Tamil, as reported by a legal news outlet.

The court emphasized, “Regardless of your status, you cannot offend the feelings of the public.”

Haasan made these comments during the audio launch of the Tamil film Thug Life in Chennai on May 24, which led to protests from pro-Kannada groups demanding his apology. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce warned that the film's release would be obstructed unless Haasan formally apologized.

In response, the production company Raajkamal Films International approached the High Court for assistance in ensuring the film's release. However, Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked that Haasan's comments had incited “unrest and disharmony” within Karnataka.

The judge noted, “People are deeply connected to three things: land, water, and language. These elements are vital to any citizen.” The court highlighted that the division of the country is based on linguistic lines, underscoring the significance of language.

The judge suggested that a simple apology from Haasan could have resolved the matter amicably.

Additionally, the court recalled that C Rajagopalachari, a former Governor General of India, had apologized for a similar statement in the 1950s, questioning why Haasan could not follow suit.

Details of Haasan's Controversial Statement

Haasan’s Remarks

During the audio launch in Chennai, Haasan expressed his connection to the Tamil language, stating, “Uyire Urave Tamizhe [My life and my family is Tamil].”

He addressed Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, present at the event, saying, “You are my family living in another state… Your language was born out of Tamil, so you are part of that lineage.”

These comments ignited outrage in Karnataka, prompting the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike to threaten a boycott of his film.

Protesters from the group vandalized posters of Thug Life in Bengaluru and other cities, demanding an apology from Haasan.

On May 28, Haasan attempted to clarify his comments, stating, “What I expressed was out of love. Historians have educated me about the language’s history… I did not intend any offense.”

The film, directed by Mani Ratnam, is set to premiere on June 5 and has been produced by Red Giant Movies, a company associated with Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. It has been dubbed into multiple languages, including Kannada.