Karnataka Government Backs Film Chamber's Warning to Ban Kamal Haasan&rsquo;s Film Over Kannada Language Remark
Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has affirmed that actor Kamal Haasan&rsquo;s upcoming film&nbsp;Thug Life will not be allowed to release in the state unless the actor issues a public apology for his recent comments regarding the Kannada language.
The statement came following a press briefing by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which announced on Thursday that it would prohibit the release of Thug Life in Karnataka if Haasan failed to apologise by 30 May.
The controversy stems from remarks made by the actor-politician during a promotional event, where he reportedly claimed that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. The statement has provoked strong reactions from pro-Kannada organisations and cultural groups, who have termed the comments as disrespectful.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Minister Tangadagi stated that the KFCC had taken the appropriate decision in response to the issue and extended his support. "No matter how prominent the individual, any disparaging remarks against Kannada, its people, or the land and water of Karnataka will not be tolerated," he said.
The minister went on to reiterate that if an apology is not forthcoming, films featuring Kamal Haasan would be barred from screening in the state. &ldquo;He must apologise. Any trivialisation of Kannada will not be accepted,&rdquo; he added when questioned by reporters.
When asked whether the film would indeed be banned should an apology not be issued, Tangadagi replied unequivocally in the affirmative. He further noted that he had spoken to veteran Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, urging him to communicate with Haasan and explain the sentiment of the Kannada-speaking population.
Recalling the legacy of Dr Rajkumar, Shivarajkumar&rsquo;s father and an iconic figure in Kannada cinema, Tangadagi appealed for senior artistes to intervene. "The Rajkumar family has contributed significantly to Kannada and has been embraced by Kannadigas. We cannot accept any insult. Senior actors must make him understand."
Referring to a past incident involving singer Sonu Nigam&rsquo;s comments on Kannada, the minister questioned whether the state should continue to tolerate such external criticisms of its language and culture. He reaffirmed that the government stands in solidarity with the KFCC and Kannada organisations on this matter.
Meanwhile, KFCC President M Narasimhalu, speaking to the press separately, stated that exhibitors and distributors across the state had voluntarily decided not to screen Haasan&rsquo;s film if no apology is forthcoming. He clarified that this decision was not mandated by the government or any legal action but was taken in alignment with the sentiment of the Kannada-speaking public.
According to Narasimhalu, the KFCC has also been in contact with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, and its president, Ravi Kottarakara, is reportedly engaging with Haasan. While the actor may currently be firm on not issuing an apology, Narasimhalu expressed hope that clarity would emerge within a couple of days. &ldquo;Such incidents have occurred before, and actors have offered apologies. This is not unprecedented,&rdquo; he added.
In Chennai, however, Kamal Haasan has declined to apologise. Speaking to the media, he maintained that he believes in law and justice and reiterated his genuine affection for Karnataka. He noted that threats of boycotts from pro-Kannada groups were not new to him and that he had faced similar situations in the past.
For now, the fate of Thug Life in Karnataka remains uncertain, pending a possible response from Haasan to the growing demands for an apology.

Poster of Kamal Hassan's movie Thug Life (image source social media)

KFCC and Karnataka govt demand apology from Haasan over Kannada language remarks

Karnataka Warns Ban on Kamal Haasan’s Film

KFCC and Karnataka govt demand apology from Haasan over Kannada language remarks

May 31, 2025 | 09:21 IST