Bengaluru: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ will not be released in Karnataka for now, following his refusal to apologise for a controversial remark made during a promotional event. Haasan allegedly stated that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” sparking protests by Kannada activists and a backlash from regional groups and film bodies.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has banned the release of the film, standing in solidarity with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other pro-Kannada organisations. The KFCC reiterated their demand for a public apology, which Haasan has so far declined to issue.
On Tuesday, Haasan’s production house, Raajkamal Films International, informed the Karnataka High Court that the actor would not be apologising. The high court took strong note of the situation, remarking that “popularity doesn’t give one license to hurt public sentiments.” The court adjourned the matter to June 10, granting time for the actor to reconsider.
The court observed that Haasan’s statement had “stirred a hornet’s nest” and led to unrest in Karnataka. “There may be many languages, but the country is one,” the bench remarked, underlining the importance of unity and sensitivity in public discourse.
KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu confirmed the film would not be screened in Karnataka unless an apology is issued. “There is no ‘sorry’ in Kamal Haasan’s statement, so we stand firm,” he said.
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