Kamal Haasan's effigies get burned across Karnataka as pro-Kannada groups protest over language remark

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan's remark 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' has led to anger among Kannada-speaking communities. The pro-Kannada groups are protesting after the actor refused to apologize for his statement.

Protests across Karnataka
Videos and photos circulating on social media show protestors burning effigies and posters of Kamal Haasan in various parts of Karnataka. These protestors are reportedly expressing their strong disapproval of the actor's comments with their actions.

Kamal Haasan's statement
The situation escalated when the Tamil actor, during a public event, stood firm on his stance, saying that he would apologize only if he was wrong. He said, "Love will never apologise. I will apologise only if I am wrong. If I am not, I will not."

'Thug Life' faces boycott threat in KarnatakaOn Saturday, several pro-Kannada groups, including those led by Lok Sabha MP L.R. Shivarame Gowda, visited numerous cinema halls across Bengaluru, asking theatre owners not to screen 'Thug Life'. They declared their intent to block the film's release in Karnataka, calling on the public and cinema owners to join their protest. Their demand for a complete ban gained momentum after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) officially announced a ban on the film’s screening in the state on Friday.

Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar expressed support for Kamal Haasan, appreciating his contributions to Kannada cinema. However, this stance did not sit well with many protestors, who gathered outside Shiva Rajkumar’s residence, some even resorting to throwing stones.

'Thug Life' is a gangster action drama directed by Mani Ratnam. The film is a story of Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker, a powerful mafia leader who is presumed dead but mysteriously reappears, triggering a violent and complex conflict within the underworld.