Published: June 3, 2025, 5:30 PM IST
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Actor under fire for linking Kannada to Tamil at ‘Thug Life’ launch
On May 19, 2024, veteran actor Kamal Haasan made a controversial remark during the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai. While speaking about the legacy of Kannada icon Dr Rajkumar’s family, Haasan said, “Kannada was born from Tamil.”
The comment, made in the presence of Dr Rajkumar’s son Shiva Rajkumar, drew immediate backlash in Karnataka. Several Kannada organisations and citizens took offense, claiming the statement undermined the independent identity of the Kannada language. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) even warned of a ban on Thug Life if Haasan did not apologise publicly. (ALSO READ: Romancing Father’s Age? Trisha Krishnan Responds to Thug Life Backlash )
Legal Action and Courtroom Drama
“Are you a historian?” asks Justice Nagaprasanna
In response to growing protests and threats, Haasan filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, seeking protection to release his film in the state. However, during the hearing on June 3, 2025, Justice M. Nagaprasanna questioned the basis of Haasan’s statement.
“Are you a historian?”
“On what basis have you made the statement?”
“Are you a historian, a linguist?”
“You have hurt the sentiments of the people.”
“Jala, Nela, Bashe – Water, Land, and Language – are sacred to Kannadigas.”
The court criticized Haasan not only for his comment but for refusing to issue a straightforward apology. The judge added:
“Why do you want protection? If you are so concerned, say sorry.”
“You don’t want to say sorry because of ego.”
“All that is required is to say I have hurt sentiments. All’s well that ends well.”
Haasan’s Response to KFCC Not Enough
“Spoken out of affection,” says actor
Haasan had earlier sent a letter to KFCC president Ba Ma Harish, stating:
“It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch — spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr Rajkumar’s family — has been misunderstood and taken out of context.”
He added that he deeply respects the Kannada language and culture. However, the KFCC has not accepted this as a formal apology, and Kannada groups continue to demand a direct public retraction. (ALSO READ: Romancing Father’s Age? Trisha Krishnan Responds to Thug Life Backlash )
What’s Next for ‘Thug Life’?
Court hearing to resume June 10
The High Court will resume the hearing on June 10, 2025, to decide whether the film can be released in Karnataka. As of now, the release remains uncertain.
The controversy has highlighted how sensitive language and identity issues are in India. Haasan’s remark, though possibly well-intended, has turned into a major political and cultural flashpoint. The court has signaled that a simple apology might resolve the situation — if the actor is willing.
Why This Matters
Language, legacy, and the limits of speech
This case underscores the responsibility public figures carry when discussing regional identities. In a multilingual nation, words matter, and one sentence can have wide-reaching consequences. As Thug Life nears release, all eyes are now on whether Haasan will soften his stance — or stand by his words.
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