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Kamal Haasan Issues Clarification Regarding Ongoing Tamil-Kannada Language Row
Updated on: 29 May, 2025 01:02 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Kamal Haasan
South Indian actor Kamal Haasan has found himself at the centre of a linguistic controversy following a remark he made during the promotional events for his upcoming film Thug Life, slated for release on June 5, 2025. During an audio launch in Chennai, Haasan stated that the Tamil language gave birth to Kannada, a comment that quickly ignited strong reactions and hurt the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking populace.
Pro-Kannada groups in Bangalore showed their anger by tearing down Thug Life posters and demanding a ban on the film. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in, highlighting Kannada`s rich history and suggesting Haasan was "illiterate about it." "Kannada language has a very long history…he (Kamal Haasan) doesn’t know," said CM Siddaramaiah.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), through its leader Praveen Shetty, condemned the statement, asserting, "Kamal Haasan said Tamil is better than Kannada. If he wants to do business in Karnataka, he should stop insulting Kannada. Your film cannot be promoted at the cost of our language and pride. We are ready to protest, even ban your film."
Also Read: "I Knew This Was Magic," Says Trisha on Kamal Haasan Romance in `Thug Life`
Minister Tangadagi further pressed for an apology, also urging Kannada actor Shivaraj Kumar, who was present at the event, to condemn Haasan`s remark. He reiterated that "He must apologise to the people of Karnataka," adding, "Regardless of the personality, we will tolerate none if they try to defame Kannada language, culture, water or boundary." He pointed out that veteran actors like Haasan should be more mindful, especially given their reliance on Kannada for their craft and earnings.
The uproar manifested in protests across Karnataka, including in Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru. The Praveen Shetty faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike even filed a complaint at the RT Nagar police station, alleging that Haasan`s comment hurt Kannadiga sentiments and could cause unrest between the two linguistic groups. A senior police officer confirmed the complaint was forwarded for legal review. Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra criticised Haasan`s "uncultured behaviour" and "arrogance", demanding an "unconditional apology to Kannadigas".
Also Read: Kamal Haasan to Play Triple Role in Mani Ratnam’s `Thug Life`; Here`s What We Know
He also referenced Tamil Nadu`s history of diverse chief ministers, including the late J. Jayalalithaa, who hailed from Karnataka, as a testament to linguistic harmony. Haasan concluded by stating that his and Shivaraj Kumar`s families, much like languages, share a connection and that linguistic origins can be viewed from different perspectives, with scholars often finding merit in multiple viewpoints.
Also Read: Sonu Nigam`s Song Removed From Kannada Film Amidst Bengaluru Concert Controversy
Political and Public Outcry
The controversial remark spread rapidly, leading to widespread criticism. Karnataka`s culture minister, Shivaraj Tangadagi, was among the first to react, sternly warning Haasan to apologise or face a ban in Sandalwood cinema. "Kamal Haasan has spoken inappropriately about Kannadigas. Kannadigas will not tolerate this. He should apologise. If he doesn’t, I shall write to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. I am writing today. He should apologise at any cost. There is no question about it. Else, we will ensure that his films will be banned from being screened in the state," Tangadagi declared.Pro-Kannada groups in Bangalore showed their anger by tearing down Thug Life posters and demanding a ban on the film. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in, highlighting Kannada`s rich history and suggesting Haasan was "illiterate about it." "Kannada language has a very long history…he (Kamal Haasan) doesn’t know," said CM Siddaramaiah.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), through its leader Praveen Shetty, condemned the statement, asserting, "Kamal Haasan said Tamil is better than Kannada. If he wants to do business in Karnataka, he should stop insulting Kannada. Your film cannot be promoted at the cost of our language and pride. We are ready to protest, even ban your film."
Also Read: "I Knew This Was Magic," Says Trisha on Kamal Haasan Romance in `Thug Life`
Minister Tangadagi further pressed for an apology, also urging Kannada actor Shivaraj Kumar, who was present at the event, to condemn Haasan`s remark. He reiterated that "He must apologise to the people of Karnataka," adding, "Regardless of the personality, we will tolerate none if they try to defame Kannada language, culture, water or boundary." He pointed out that veteran actors like Haasan should be more mindful, especially given their reliance on Kannada for their craft and earnings.
The uproar manifested in protests across Karnataka, including in Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru. The Praveen Shetty faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike even filed a complaint at the RT Nagar police station, alleging that Haasan`s comment hurt Kannadiga sentiments and could cause unrest between the two linguistic groups. A senior police officer confirmed the complaint was forwarded for legal review. Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra criticised Haasan`s "uncultured behaviour" and "arrogance", demanding an "unconditional apology to Kannadigas".
Also Read: Kamal Haasan to Play Triple Role in Mani Ratnam’s `Thug Life`; Here`s What We Know
Kamal Haasan`s Explanation
Responding to the intense backlash from Thiruvananthapuram, Kamal Haasan clarified that his statement was "out of love" and that "love will never apologise." He described his remarks as an "explanation" rather than an "answer", emphasising that "politicians are not qualified to talk about language, including me. Let`s leave all these discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts."He also referenced Tamil Nadu`s history of diverse chief ministers, including the late J. Jayalalithaa, who hailed from Karnataka, as a testament to linguistic harmony. Haasan concluded by stating that his and Shivaraj Kumar`s families, much like languages, share a connection and that linguistic origins can be viewed from different perspectives, with scholars often finding merit in multiple viewpoints.
Also Read: Sonu Nigam`s Song Removed From Kannada Film Amidst Bengaluru Concert Controversy
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