Kamal Haasan films face ban over Kannada apology after remarks made about the Kannada language, triggering backlash in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, announced actions demanding a public apology and threatening to block the screening of his movies across the state.
Karnataka Authorities Respond to Controversial Statement
On Friday, Shivaraj Tangadagi, the state Minister for Kannada and Culture, warned that Kamal Haasan’s films could be prohibited in Karnataka if the actor does not issue an apology for his recent statements concerning Kannada. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has already committed to following through with the ban as a response.
“We will not tolerate any slight against Kannada, Kannadigas, or Karnataka’s land and water,”
—Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture
“Kamal Haasan must apologise, or his films will face a ban, as the film chamber of commerce has decided.”
—Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture
Deadline Set by Film Chamber of Commerce
The KFCC issued a formal statement on Thursday, urging Kamal Haasan to publicly apologise by May 30. If he does not do so, the release of his upcoming movie, Thug Life, will be blocked in theatres across the state. The Chamber’s quick and firm stance has received support from government officials.
“I compliment the film chamber of commerce for their good decision to ban his film if he doesn’t apologise in two days.”
—Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture
The minister confirmed that if Haasan does not apologise, the ban will be enforced.
Origins of the Controversy
The conflict began during a Thug Life promotional event, where Kamal Haasan stated,
“Kannada was born out of Tamil.”
—Kamal Haasan, Actor
This statement angered pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations in Karnataka, who viewed it as disrespectful to the state’s language heritage. The reaction quickly escalated, drawing strong demands for correction.
Efforts for Mediation and Further Reactions
Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi shared that he reached out to well-known Kannada actor Shivarajkumar to help address the dispute, given the actor’s family legacy with Dr. Rajkumar, a legendary figure in Kannada cinema. Shivaraj expressed the significant role of Rajkumar’s family in supporting the Kannada language and called for intervention.
“Dr Rajkumar and his family have contributed significantly to the Kannada cause, and Kannadigas have nurtured them in return,”
—Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture
“As a senior actor, you (Shivarajkumar) should make him (Kamal) understand. We cannot tolerate this.”
—Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture
Additionally, M Narasimhalu, president of the KFCC, affirmed that not only the Chamber, but also film distributors and exhibitors in Karnataka, have agreed not to screen Thug Life if there is no apology from Kamal Haasan.
What This Means for the Film Industry
This episode represents a significant moment in Karnataka’s cultural climate, underlining how sensitive language and regional identity issues can influence film distribution. With May 30 as the deadline for an apology, the future of Kamal Haasan’s films in Karnataka, including Thug Life, hangs in the balance. The decision made will be closely watched for its broader implications across the South Indian film industry and among regional organisations.
