Kamal Haasan’s much awaited film Thug Life will no longer be released in Karnataka. Actor and Makkal Nidhi Mayyam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan refused to apologize to the Karnataka High Court, which decided that the film’s release would not be released for a week.
Root of controversy – statement on Kannada language
The entire controversy began when Kamal Haasan allegedly stated during a program that “Kannada language is born from Tamil”. Many Pro-Kannada organizations and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) protested against this statement. Demonstrations took place in cities like Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubli and Mysore. Karnataka Culture Minister Shivraj Tangdagi also asked actor Kamal to publicly apologize.
What happened in court?
Rajkamal film Ventures, which is the production house of Kamal Haasan, filed a petition in the High Court demanding police protection for the release of the film in Karnataka. During the hearing of the case, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa on behalf of Kamal Haasan argued that, “Forgiveness is given where there is malicious. Actor Kamal Haasan’s intention was not to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
He appealed to the court to understand the context in which Haasan had made a statement. He said, “The program in which this statement was given, the superstars of the Kannada film industry were also present. The statement should not be distorted and presented.”
Court response to Kamal Haasan
However, the court remarked, saying, “You (Kamal Haasan) are adamant on their ego. This case is not only about one person, but the sentiments of the people of the state.” The court clarified that the film will not be screened in Karnataka until a dialogue with KFCC without an apology.
Explanation from Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan has also sent a letter to KFCC in which he wrote that his statement was inspired by love for Dr. Rajkumar and his purpose was not to show Kannada language less, but to show that “We are all from the same family.”
Haasan’s lawyer said in the court, “The artist can wait, so we have postponed the release in Karnataka. We are ready to negotiate with KFCC. If they are ready to discuss, we will talk further.”
Next hearing
The court fixed the next hearing of the case on 10 June. Till then Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life will not be released in Karnataka.
