- By Yashashvi Tak
- Sat, 31 May 2025 11:59 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi on Friday said that actor Kamal Haasan’s films will be banned in the state unless he apologises for his remarks about the Kannada language. He further added that his recent film “Thug Life” will be released in Karnataka only after the apology.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) President M. Narasimhalu said that exhibitors and distributors have voluntarily decided not to screen Kamal Haasan's film if he fails to apologise. On Thursday, the KFCC clarified that it would not permit the release of Haasan's film “Thug Life” in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language.
Actor Kamal Haasan’s Statement On Kannada Language
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s recent statement, made during a promotional event for his upcoming film, claiming that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” has triggered widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations.
"I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday 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.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi stated that no matter how prominent the individual may be, any remarks made against Kannada, Kannadigas, or the land and water of Karnataka will not be tolerated. He emphasized that Kamal Haasan must apologise; otherwise, as decided by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, his films will be banned in the state.
"We will not allow it, if he doesn't apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn't apologise, we will take our decision," he added.
When asked whether Kamal Haasan's films would be banned if he fails to apologise, Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi replied, "Yes." Responding to a question about actor Shivarajkumar's reaction to the controversy, the minister said he had requested the Kannada star to speak with Haasan regarding the issue.
"I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage yesterday. Dr Rajkumar (Shivrajkumar's father and Kannada thespian) and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaiga's have also nurtured them. As a senior actor you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it. Let Shivarajkumar or another senior actor speak to him," he said.
Addressing the controversy over Sonu Nigam's Kannada-related remarks, Tangadagi questioned if non-Kannada actors should speak on the language issue, saying, “It cannot be tolerated.” He backed the Film Chamber's stance and said the government supports it.
On objections to Kamal Haasan’s film, he said, "We respect actors, but language comes first. There's no compromise." Minister Narasimhalu added that unless Haasan apologizes, exhibitors and distributors won’t release his movie, aligning with public sentiment. Political leaders across parties have condemned Haasan's statement. KFCC is in talks with Haasan via the South Indian Film Chamber. Narasimhalu noted past instances where actors have apologized and hoped for resolution soon.
Meanwhile, in Chennai, Kamal Haasan again refused to apologise, stating his faith in law and justice and affirming his genuine love for Karnataka. He said threats from pro-Kannada groups to boycott his film were not new and that he had faced such warnings before.