Chetan Ahimsa Slams Kamal Haasan’s Claim That ‘Kannada Was Born from Tamil’, Wins Praise Online

Actor and activist Chetan Kumar Ahimsa has strongly reacted to Kamal Haasan's recent claim that "Kannada was born from Tamil," calling the statement factually incorrect and historically misleading.

In a post shared on social media, Chetan wrote, "Just cuz Kannada may have older literary traditions than Telugu can we imagine going to AP/TS & claiming Telugu was 'born out' of Kannada? Dravidianism isnt just valuing mother tongue u are born into 'by chance' but dignifying/upholding all 'sibling' vibrant linguistic legacies."

Chetan Kumar Ahimsa's response stands out amid growing debate, as many public figures have so far remained silent on the issue. His post has been widely shared, with many netizens appreciating his balanced yet firm rebuttal.

Kamal Haasan made the controversial remark during the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai. The statement has since sparked backlash from Kannada activists and language supporters, with demands for an apology and calls to reconsider the film's release in Karnataka.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Chetan's voice has added weight to the ongoing discourse on linguistic heritage and mutual respect among Dravidian languages.

While Chetan Kumar Ahimsa was among the first to speak out, many celebrities have remained silent. This silence has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some recalling the strong, united stance taken by Kannada film personalities during past linguistic and regional issues-particularly during the Rajkumar era. There's a growing sentiment that the solidarity once shown in defending Kannada identity is now fading, especially on social media platforms.

Thug Life Film Release Under Threat?

The controversy has led to calls for banning Thug Life in Karnataka unless Kamal Haasan issues a public apology. The film, directed by Mani Ratnam and featuring Haasan in the lead role, is slated for release on June 5. With tensions simmering, the silence from the actor's side continues to fuel speculation about the film's release in Karnataka.

As the Kannada-Tamil language row escalates, the ball now lies in Kamal Haasan's court-whether he chooses to clarify his remarks or risks facing a regional boycott of his film.