Kamal Haasan Withholds ‘Thug Life’ Release In Karnataka Amid Language Row, Refuses to Apologise
Kamal Haasan has opted not to release his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka on June 5, amid a growing controversy over his recent remarks on the Kannada language. Despite a strong nudge from the Karnataka High Court urging him to issue a public apology, the actor has maintained his stance, declining to apologise for stating that “Kannada is born out of Tamil.”
The decision follows sustained pressure from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and several pro-Kannada organisations, who demanded that Haasan apologise before the film could be screened in the state. Raajkamal Films International, the production house headed by Haasan, had sought police protection for the film’s release but later informed the court that it would not move forward with a Karnataka screening until a constructive dialogue with the KFCC takes place.
In a strongly worded hearing, Justice M. Nagaprasanna drew parallels to a similar episode from the 1950s when Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari, India’s last Governor-General, publicly apologised for making a comparable claim about the origin of Kannada. “When Rajagopalachari could apologise, why can’t Kamal Haasan?” the judge questioned.
The court emphasized the emotional significance of language to the people of Karnataka. “You are not just any citizen; you are a public figure,” the judge remarked. “A single sentence of apology would have resolved this unrest.”
In a letter to the KFCC, Haasan insisted his comments were made out of admiration for the late Kannada cinema legend Dr. Rajkumar, and were meant to convey unity, not linguistic hierarchy. He reiterated that his intentions were misunderstood and that no disrespect was intended toward Kannada.
His legal team, however, made it clear in court that Haasan sees no reason to apologise. Advocate Chinnappa stated that an apology is only warranted where malice exists, and Haasan’s remarks, he argued, came from a place of affection, not disrespect.
With the filmmaker backing away from a June 5 release, the court has deferred further proceedings on the matter to June 10. The fate of Thug Life’s screening in Karnataka now hinges on whether dialogue between the production house and the KFCC can bridge the widening gap. As of now, the high-profile multilingual film will proceed with its global launch, minus Karnataka, a key market.