Will Kamal Haasan’s film get its Karnataka release?

Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life faces an uncertain release in Karnataka, as the actor finds himself in double trouble following his remarks about the Kannada language.

A storm is brewing for Kamal Haasan in Karnataka, jeopardising the release of his latest film, Thug Life, slated for a June 5 release. The Karnataka government has moved to stop the release of his film in the state, demanding an apology for his recent remarks regarding the origin of the Kannada language. At a Chennai promotional event, the actor allegedly claimed “Kannada is born out of Tamil”, a statement that triggered an uproar from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other pro-Kannada organisations.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT MR HAASAN APOLOGISES: KARNATAKA FILM BODY
Regarding the ban, M Narasimhalu, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president, said, “We have formally written to the South Indian Film Chamber regarding the issue. As the film is anticipated for release shortly, it is imperative that Mr Haasan issues an apology at the earliest.”

KAMAL HAASAN’S REMARKS ‘DISRUPT PEACE BETWEEN KANNADIGAS AND TAMILIANS’: POLICE COMPLAINT
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, lodged a complaint with the Bengaluru Police. Submitting the complaint at the R T Nagar police station, they demanded legal action be taken against the actor. In the complaint, the organisation alleged that the “controversial statement” made by Kamal Haasan has “not only hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, but it has also sown seeds of poison between Kannadigas and Tamilians and has insulted Kannadigas”. “Every time a new Tamil movie is released, they have been constantly hurting the self-respect of Kannadigas. Such statements have been made continuously and have further disrupted peace and order between Kannadigas and Tamilians,” it alleged.

NOBODY WILL SUSPECT MY LOVE FOR KARNATAKA EXCEPT THOSE WITH AN AGENDA: KAMAL HAASAN
After his initial explanation on the issue on Wednesday, that his remarks were “said out of love”, Kamal spoke about the ongoing controversy and the call for a ban on his film. In a media interaction on Thursday, he stated that he won’t “apologise” to anyone for his actions if he is “not wrong”. “It’s a democratic country. I believe in law and justice, and I believe love will always triumph. My love for Karnataka is true; my love for Andhra is true; my love for Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it, except those with an agenda. I have been threatened before. If I’m wrong, I will apologise. If I’m not, I won’t,” he said.
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