Actor-politician Kamal Haasan is facing significant backlash in Karnataka following his recent statement that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” made during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life. This remark has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organizations, leading to calls for a ban on his films in the state.
Official Response and Film Ban
Karnataka’s Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has demanded a public apology from Haasan. He stated that failure to apologize would result in a ban on Haasan’s films in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has supported this stance, announcing that Thug Life will not be released in the state unless Haasan issues a formal apology. The KFCC has given Haasan a deadline to apologize, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sentiments of Kannadigas.
Haasan’s Stand
In response to the controversy, Kamal Haasan has refused to apologize, asserting that his comments were made out of love and not intended to hurt anyone. He stated, “If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t.” Haasan emphasized his deep respect for Karnataka and its people, expressing that his remarks were misunderstood.
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Public Reaction
The controversy has led to protests across Karnataka, with demonstrators expressing their anger over Haasan’s remarks. In Bengaluru, a protester was reported to have burned a photograph of Haasan, symbolizing the intensity of the public’s displeasure. The situation underscores the sensitivity surrounding linguistic and cultural identities in the region.
Support from Tamil Nadu
Amid the backlash, the South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA) has come out in support of Kamal Haasan, condemning the threats and emphasizing his longstanding contributions to promoting unity beyond regional and linguistic boundaries. The SIAA highlighted Haasan’s deep connections with Karnataka and his respect for its culture.
As of now, the release of Thug Life in Karnataka remains uncertain, pending further developments in this ongoing controversy.
