Kamal Haasan Refuses To Apologise Over Kannada Remark, Says Won't Release 'Thug Life' In Karnataka For Now

Actor Kamal Haasan has refused to issue an apology on Tuesday and said that his film 'Thug Life' would not be released in Karnataka for the time being.

This announcement follows a controversy surrounding a remark he made about the Kannada language during a promotional event last month.

Photo Credit: PTI

On Tuesday, Kamal Haasan's production company informed the Karnataka High Court that there was no need for an apology, asserting that his written response adequately addressed the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce's (KFCC) demand for one.

The actor-politician had approached the Karnataka High Court seeking permission to release 'Thug Life' in the state.

The court, however, criticised Kamal Haasan over his recent contentious remark suggesting that the Kannada language originated from Tamil.

Granting the actor time until 2:30 pm on Tuesday to "make amends," the court remarked that although Kamal Haasan "might be a popular film star," this does not entitle him to "hurt public sentiments."

"Discretion is the best part of valour. We will not permit anybody's sentiments to be taken for a ride. Mistakes happen, you must know what to do when mistakes happen," the court said during the hearing of the plea filed by Raajkamal Films International, Haasan's production house, for the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka.

The High Court has adjourned the matter to 10 June.

Kamal's Comment on Kannada

The KFCC had previously imposed a ban on the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka following Kamal Haasan's remark and his refusal to apologise. The controversy erupted after Haasan allegedly stated during a promotional event in Chennai that "Kannada is born out of Tamil."

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on 30 May, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu said the organisation had decided to ban the film's release in Karnataka, expressing solidarity with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada groups demanding an apology from the actor.

Kamal Haasan has yet to apologise for offending Kannada sentiments during the event, according to news agency ANI, quoting Govindu.

"When there is pressure, I have to do. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it. Even they would speak about it. Definitely, there is no 'Sorry' term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan. We will surely not release the film. We (KFCC) will stand with Rakshina Vedike and other Kannada organisations," Govindu asserted.