Karnataka High Court Slams Kamal Haasan Over ‘Kannada was born out of Tamil’ Remark, Thug Life Faces Ban

Overview

Actor Kamal Haasan’s “Kannada was born out of Tamil” remark has ignited a firestorm, with the Karnataka High Court slamming his stance and pro-Kannada groups demanding an apology. The controversy threatens the release of his film Thug Life, produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, as the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and state leaders rally against him, fueling a clash over linguistic pride.

Highlights: Controversy Erupts

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday slammed actor Kamal Haasan for his “Kannada was born out of Tamil” remark and questioned if he was a historian or a linguist, as the court heard a petition seeking a direction to authorities, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), to ban the actor’s film “Thug Life” in the state. “There is no apology in it. You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses. The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement. What has happened because of it unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked apology. Now you come here seeking protection. On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian, linguist? On what basis did you speak?” the court said, as per LiveLaw, sharply criticizing Haasan’s stance. Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi made it clear that actor Kamal Haasan’s films will be “banned” in the state if he does not apologise, following the decision made by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. “I have written a letter. After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet saying that if he doesn’t apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture,” Tangadagi said, PTI reported. Haasan responded, saying his remark was made “out of love” and was based on what he had learned from historians. “This is not an answer, this is an explanation. Love will never apologise,” he stated, adding that such debates should be left to “historians, archaeologists, and linguists.” Meanwhile, KFCC president M Narasimhalu stated that exhibitors and distributors have voluntarily decided not to screen Kamal Haasan’s movie unless he issues an apology. Will Haasan’s words cost Thug Life its Karnataka release? The drama intensifies!

Background

Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and co-produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies, stars Kamal Haasan in a gripping action-drama. The controversy erupted when Haasan, during a promotional event in Chennai, stated “Kannada was born out of Tamil” while addressing Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, sparking outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organizations. This led to protests, political backlash, and a KFCC ban threat, with a two-day ultimatum for an apology. Haasan’s petition to the Karnataka High Court seeks protection for the film’s June 5, 2025, release, amid a clash over linguistic pride and cultural identity.

Social Media Buzz

The uproar over Kamal Haasan’s “Kannada was born out of Tamil” remark has set social media ablaze! On X, @TellyExpress posted on June 2, 2025, “Karnataka High Court slams Kamal Haasan for ‘Kannada was born out of Tamil’ remark—Thug Life in jeopardy! #KamalHaasan,” igniting debate. @DramaPulse tweeted on June 1, 2025, “Haasan’s ‘out of love’ claim vs. Karnataka’s fury—will Thug Life survive? #KamalHaasan,” fueling tension. @TVGossipsHub shared on June 2, 2025, “KFCC: No apology, no Thug Life screening in Karnataka!” Fans like @SoapFanatic88 cried, “Kamal’s words hurt Kannada pride—apologize!” while @SerialLover12 defended, “He said it ‘out of love’—give him a chance!” Others, like @TellyAddict07, mused, “Will Haasan bend, or will Thug Life flop in Karnataka? #KamalHaasan trends wild!”

Also Read

• Udne Ki Aasha Upcoming Story: Aaji’s Kitchen Task Reunites Paresh and Renuka in Star Plus Drama
• Jaadu Teri Nazar Upcoming Story: Gauri’s Desperate Deal with Davansh Ignites Star Plus Drama
• Bhagya Lakshmi Upcoming Story: Courtroom Clash and Malishka’s Murder Plot Grip Zee TV Drama
• Doree 2 Upcoming Story: Doree’s Survival and Rajnandini’s Deception Shake Colors TV Drama
• Kumkum Bhagya Upcoming Story: Prarthana’s Dilemma and Shivansh’s Fury Shake Zee TV Drama
• Bhagya Lakshmi Upcoming Story: Lakshmi’s Bail and Rishi’s Heated Confrontation Stir Zee TV Drama
• Spirit: Triptii Dimri Kicks Off Shooting with Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Action-Packed Thriller

Note: Update placeholder URLs for ‘Also Read’ links post-publication and verify navigation links for the table of contents.

Cast & Crew

Kamal Haasan leads Thug Life, joined by Shivarajkumar, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR. Mani Ratnam directs, with production by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International and Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies.

Focus Words: Karnataka High Court, Kamal Haasan, Thug Life, Kannada, Tamil, controversy, ban, apology, #KamalHaasan