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Ktaka HC Questions Kamal Haasan; Actor Declares Thug Life Won`t Release in State
Updated on: 03 June, 2025 03:44 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Kamal Haasan
A whirlwind of controversy has engulfed veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan following his recent remarks about the Kannada language. The issue escalated on Tuesday when the Karnataka High Court admonished the actor, leading to his decision to not release his much-anticipated film, Thug Life, in the state for the time being.
With Thug Life, a high-profile project directed by Mani Ratnam, initially scheduled for a June 5 release, Haasan’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, approached the Karnataka High Court. They sought protection for the film`s smooth release and security for theatres, anticipating disruptions.
However, the High Court did not mince words. “You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody; you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses,” the court observed. Questioning Haasan`s authority on the subject, the court asked, “On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian or linguist? On what basis did you speak? (sic)”
The bench highlighted that linguistic identity is a sensitive matter, noting, "The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such statements." The court also pointed to a historical precedent, mentioning that C. Rajagopalachari had made a similar statement 75 years ago but had subsequently apologised. The court suggested that an apology from Haasan would have been appropriate. “Fundamental right of speech and expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments of the masses,” the court further remarked.
Also Read: KFCC Joins Pro-Kannada Groups, Imposes Statewide Ban on Thug Life
In a significant development on Tuesday, Haasan`s production company informed the Karnataka High Court that Thug Life will not be released in Karnataka for now. While Haasan maintained there was nothing to apologise for, his written statement reportedly addressed the KFCC`s demand. The KFCC, however, remains firm. "Let Kamal Haasan go to court. We have not done anything illegal. But we will not allow the screening of ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka unless he apologises," stated KFCC president M Narasimhalu.
Thug Life is a major cinematic venture, marking the second collaboration between Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam after their iconic 1987 film Nayakan. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan T R, with music by Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman, and is reportedly made on a substantial budget of around ₹300 crore.
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing in the matter to June 10. The episode underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the deep-seated linguistic sentiments prevalent in the region, leaving the fate of Thug Life in Karnataka hanging in the balance.
Also Read: Kamal Haasan Issues Clarification Regarding Ongoing Tamil-Kannada Language Row
The Spark of Controversy
The furore began during the audio release of Thug Life in Chennai in late May. At the event, Haasan reportedly stated that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” This comment quickly ignited a firestorm in Karnataka, triggering widespread protests and calls for an apology. The sentiment among many Kannadigas was that the remark was an affront to their linguistic heritage and pride.With Thug Life, a high-profile project directed by Mani Ratnam, initially scheduled for a June 5 release, Haasan’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, approached the Karnataka High Court. They sought protection for the film`s smooth release and security for theatres, anticipating disruptions.
However, the High Court did not mince words. “You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody; you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses,” the court observed. Questioning Haasan`s authority on the subject, the court asked, “On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian or linguist? On what basis did you speak? (sic)”
The bench highlighted that linguistic identity is a sensitive matter, noting, "The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such statements." The court also pointed to a historical precedent, mentioning that C. Rajagopalachari had made a similar statement 75 years ago but had subsequently apologised. The court suggested that an apology from Haasan would have been appropriate. “Fundamental right of speech and expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments of the masses,” the court further remarked.
Also Read: KFCC Joins Pro-Kannada Groups, Imposes Statewide Ban on Thug Life
Haasan`s Stance and the Film`s Fate
Despite the court`s strong observations and the escalating demands for an apology from various quarters, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Kamal Haasan has declined to tender one. His petition argued that his remarks were “taken out of context and intended to express cultural harmony”.In a significant development on Tuesday, Haasan`s production company informed the Karnataka High Court that Thug Life will not be released in Karnataka for now. While Haasan maintained there was nothing to apologise for, his written statement reportedly addressed the KFCC`s demand. The KFCC, however, remains firm. "Let Kamal Haasan go to court. We have not done anything illegal. But we will not allow the screening of ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka unless he apologises," stated KFCC president M Narasimhalu.
Thug Life is a major cinematic venture, marking the second collaboration between Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam after their iconic 1987 film Nayakan. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan T R, with music by Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman, and is reportedly made on a substantial budget of around ₹300 crore.
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing in the matter to June 10. The episode underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the deep-seated linguistic sentiments prevalent in the region, leaving the fate of Thug Life in Karnataka hanging in the balance.
Also Read: Kamal Haasan Issues Clarification Regarding Ongoing Tamil-Kannada Language Row
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