Controversy over the Kamal Haasan Thug Life ban controversy in Karnataka has intensified after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and pro-Kannada groups called for the film’s screening to be blocked across the state. The unrest stems from a remark made by Kamal Haasan, sparking intense protests and strong reactions just days before Thug Life’s theatrical release on June 5, 2025.
Mounting Tensions After Thug Life Trailer Launch
Since its trailer debuted on May 17, 2025, Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film Thug Life, with Kamal Haasan in the lead, has been at the center of escalating controversy. The actor, known for his storied career and outspoken opinions, became the target of public ire after making comments regarding the origins of the Kannada language during a promotional event. This incident, compounded by criticisms over his on-screen relationships, has led to heightened scrutiny and protests across Karnataka.
The latest uproar unfolded outside Victory Cinema in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya area on June 1, 2025. Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent pro-Kannada organisation led by Praveen Shetty, organized a protest to oppose the screening of Thug Life within the state. The group’s demands for an outright ban are rooted in what they consider disrespectful comments about Kannada by Kamal Haasan, whom they accuse of undermining regional pride and identity.
During the demonstration, KRV not only voiced their opposition to both Kamal Haasan and Thug Life but also issued stark warnings to theatre owners, cautioning them against showing the film. The group has maintained that if Thug Life is allowed to run in Karnataka, it could create widespread unrest and that the state government would bear the consequences.
Kamal Haasan has disrespected Kannada. We’ve informed the management of Victory Cinema that this film cannot be allowed to release here. If Thug Life is screened in Karnataka, the state government must be prepared to take responsibility for any fallout.
—Praveen Shetty, Head of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike
Karnataka Film Chamber’s Decision to Ban Thug Life
Just days before the scheduled release of Thug Life, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) stepped in with an official ban on the film throughout the state. The decision, announced on May 30, 2025, was prompted by Kamal Haasan’s refusal to issue a public apology for his controversial comment. The Chamber’s leadership aligned with demands from KRV and similar pro-Kannada organisations, stating their resolve to uphold regional sentiment and urging theatres to comply with the directive.
The move by the KFCC escalated the existing standoff by lending institutional support to the protestors. This added a new layer of complexity to the film’s already fraught journey to release. Theatre owners, caught between commercial interests and mounting political pressure, have been left with difficult choices and growing uncertainty about the film’s future in the Karnataka market.
What Prompted the Ban: Kamal Haasan’s Remark on Language
The spark that ignited the Kamal Haasan Thug Life ban controversy in Karnataka was a statement he made during the film’s audio launch event held in Karnataka on May 25, 2025. Sharing the stage with Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, Kamal Haasan spoke about linguistic heritage and familial ties across state borders, and asserted,
“Kannada was born out of Tamil.”
The audience’s reaction was swift and sharply negative, as members of various Kannada organizations perceived the remark as an affront to the distinctiveness and history of the Kannada language.
Kannada was born out of Tamil
The backlash was rapid, with KRV and other groups demanding a ban on both the actor and Thug Life itself, arguing that the statement disregarded the rich and separate cultural legacy of Karnataka.
Kamal Haasan Stands Firm Amid Backlash
Despite mounting calls for an apology, Kamal Haasan has remained unwavering in his refusal to express regret over his remarks. In media interactions and statements since the protests began, he has continually framed his words as a gesture of affection and a reflection on language history, declining to issue an apology on the grounds that he committed no wrong.
I think what I said was said with a lot of love. Historians have taught me the language history…I didn’t mean anything. And let me tell you, Tamil Nadu is a place which has been open. Let’s leave all these very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts. Love will never apologise.
—Kamal Haasan, Actor
Speaking to reporters in Chennai after the ban was announced by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Kamal Haasan further clarified that he held no malice toward the people of Karnataka and deeply respected the state. He recounted his experiences with threats and opposition in the past, but emphasized his confidence in India’s legal and democratic systems to address the current crisis. Kamal Haasan reiterated that unless proven wrong, he would stand by his beliefs and not succumb to pressure.
I will apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won’t apologise. It’s my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with that. I have been threatened before. This is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice.
—Kamal Haasan, Actor
Reactions from the Film Community and Theatre Owners
The chain reaction set off by Kamal Haasan’s statements and the protests have placed theatre owners in Karnataka in a difficult spot. With warnings from KRV and the formal ban by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, owners of cinema venues, including the Victory Cinema in Kamakshipalya, have been compelled to reconsider whether or not to screen Thug Life at all. These interventions have galvanized wider debate within the film industry about freedom of artistic expression, as well as the commercial implications for Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan, and theatre operators across the state.
Other stakeholders, such as Kannada actors and language experts, have weighed in on the importance of maintaining dialogue rather than allowing vitriolic disputes to undermine cultural bridges. However, the prevailing mood in Karnataka remains tense, with both pro-Kannada groups and supporters of Kamal Haasan entrenched in their respective positions.
Regional Sentiments and Historical Context
The Kamal Haasan Thug Life ban controversy in Karnataka illustrates the sensitivity surrounding language and identity in the southern states of India. While debates about linguistic heritage and historical influences are not uncommon, Kamal Haasan’s choice of words at a time when cultural assertiveness is on the rise seemed to have struck a nerve among sizeable sections of Kannada-speaking society.
Analysts have noted that Mani Ratnam’s involvement as director, alongside Kamal Haasan’s established reputation for provocative statements, contributed to drawing additional attention and scrutiny. The controversy comes at a juncture when language continues to be a deeply emotive issue in regional political discourse, often intersecting with cinema and celebrity culture.
What Lies Ahead for Thug Life in Karnataka?
With the scheduled release of Thug Life in theatres just days away, the situation in Karnataka remains deeply unsettled. Kamal Haasan’s refusal to apologise and the hardline stance of pro-Kannada organizations have left little room for compromise. It is uncertain whether the film will be able to break through the legal and social hurdles now facing its release in the state.
The ban has already set a precedent for film distribution debates in Karnataka, sending ripples across the movie industry and sparking discussion over censorship, creative freedom, and the responsibilities of artists in a diverse society. With Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and groups like KRV unyielding in their positions, all eyes are on the next steps — from possible legal appeals by the makers of Thug Life to potential negotiations between industry bodies and protestors.
Beyond commercial interests and local box office stakes, the outcome of this controversy is likely to shape future interactions between the film industry, regional organizations, and government authorities. As of now, the Kamal Haasan Thug Life ban controversy in Karnataka remains a high-stakes flashpoint with no clear resolution in sight, as the release date rapidly approaches.
