A controversy erupted when actor Kamal Haasan claimed “Kannada was born out of Tamil” during a promotional event for his film Thug Life, prompting demands for an apology from Karnataka’s film industry and public. The remarks were made on May 24, 2025, with the Karnataka High Court addressing the issue on June 3, 2025. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), pro-Kannada groups, and political leaders have demanded Haasan apologize, while Haasan and his production house, Raajkamal Films International, sought legal recourse.
The row led to a KFCC-imposed ban on Thug Life in Karnataka, with Haasan refusing to apologize, citing his remarks were made with “love.” Where: The dispute, centered in Karnataka, has sparked protests in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi, and Mysuru, with legal proceedings in the Karnataka High Court
In This Article:
The Spark of Controversy
On May 24, 2025, at the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai, Kamal Haasan addressed Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, saying, “Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil,” framing it as a gesture of cultural unity (Times of India, May 28, 2025). The comment ignited outrage in Karnataka, where Kannada is a symbol of cultural pride, with a 2,000-year history distinct from Tamil, as linguistic evidence confirms both languages evolved separately from Proto-Dravidian (The Indian Express, June 3, 2025).
Pro-Kannada groups, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, staged protests, tearing Thug Life posters in Bengaluru and demanding an apology, arguing Haasan’s statement undermined Kannada’s identity (Hindustan Times, June 3, 2025). Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP leader BY Vijayendra criticized Haasan, with Vijayendra calling it “the height of arrogance” .
Justifying the Apology Demand
The demand for an apology is rooted in Karnataka’s linguistic pride and the emotional weight of language in India, where states were formed on linguistic lines. Justice M. Nagaprasanna of the Karnataka High Court, hearing Raajkamal Films’ plea on June 3, 2025, emphasized, “Language is a sentiment attached to the people. The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such statements” (LiveLaw, June 3, 2025). Haasan’s claim, lacking historical or linguistic backing, was perceived as dismissive, especially from a public figure whose words carry weight.
The court cited C. Rajagopalachari’s 1950 apology for a similar remark, questioning why Haasan couldn’t follow suit . KFCC president M. Narasimhalu stated, “It’s no longer about a film. It’s about an entire state,” reflecting the collective sentiment . Past incidents, like Rajinikanth’s 2018 apology over Cauvery remarks, show apologies can resolve such disputes, justifying Karnataka’s stance.
Court Involvement and KFCC’s Stand
On June 2, 2025, Raajkamal Films moved the Karnataka High Court, seeking police protection for Thug Life’s June 5 release and challenging KFCC’s ban, arguing it violated their right to business under Article 19 . Justice Nagaprasanna criticized Haasan’s refusal to apologize, stating, “You may be Kamal Haasan, but you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses” (LiveLaw, June 3, 2025).
The court adjourned the hearing to June 10 after Haasan’s counsel, Dhyan Chinnappa, agreed to delay the film’s Karnataka release pending dialogue with KFCC, but noted Haasan’s letter to KFCC lacked an apology (LiveLaw, June 3, 2025). KFCC, backed by exhibitors and distributors, reiterated its ban, with Narasimhalu telling PTI, “No theatres will screen it unless he apologizes” (India Today, June 2, 2025). The chamber’s stance aligns with its role in protecting Kannada culture, as seen in prior bans like Baahubali 2 over unrelated remarks.
Balancing Free Speech and Responsibility
Haasan’s defense—that his remark was made with “love” and no malice—has merit, as he clarified it was meant to foster camaraderie, supported by Shiva Rajkumar’s presence at the event . However, the court countered, “Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments” (LiveLaw, June 3, 2025). Haasan’s refusal to apologize, citing his “conviction,” risks escalating unrest, as pro-Kannada groups and political leaders, including Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, warned of a statewide ban on his file.
An apology would align with precedent, de-escalate tensions, and respect Karnataka’s linguistic pride, which Haasan, having acted in Kannada films, should understand. The row highlights the delicate balance between free speech and cultural sensitivity in India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
-By Manoj H
