• Source:JND
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Kamal Haasan has been facing major backlash since he made a remark, ‘Kannada was born out of Tamil’. His controversial statement came just a few days before his upcoming Tamil movie Thug Life. As the movie is set to hit the screens on June 5 and there were reports of the film’s ban in the state, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has made a clear statement that they are ready for talks, but before that, an apology is needed from Haasan. The Kannada film body further stated that the legendary actor’s statement hurt every single Kannadiga.

In an interview with News18, KFCC president M Narasimhalu said, “We are ready to hold talks across the table if Kamal Haasan’s team comes to us. Let them come to us. They have caused immense hurt to us. But there is a need for an apology. He has hurt every single Kannadiga across the country with his statement.”

The President further stated that the Karnataka High Court’s decision on the issue was ‘absolutely on point’. He added, “If we don’t stand with the people of Karnataka, they will never forgive us.”

M Narasimhalu’s statement came after a high-level meeting of the KFCC with key stakeholders was conducted following the High Court’s remarks reacting to Haasan’s controversial remark at the audio launch of the movie in Chennai.

Also read: Thug Life To NOT Release In Karnataka; Kamal Haasan Writes To Kannada Film Body After 'Born Out Of Tamil' Remark

A few days ago, the veteran actor wrote a letter to KFCC, which reads, “I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity. It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch, spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family, especially Shiva Rajkumar, has been misunderstood and taken out of context. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way.”

“Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue,” he added.

Also read: Thug Life Cast Fees: Trisha Krishnan To Silambarasan, How Much The Stellar Starcast Charging For Kamal Haasan’s Tamil Movie?

Coming back to Thug Life, the Tamil movie also stars Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan TR, Abhirami Gopikumar, Ashok Selvan and Aishwarya Lekshmi in key roles. It has been directed by Mani Ratnam and produced by Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Siva Ananth and R Mahendran.