Karnataka High Court slams Kamal Haasan for not apologising for Kannada row

The actor-politician has moved the Karnataka High Court to ensure the release of his film ‘Thug Life.’

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ faces problems after his recent remarks, “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” This has led the KFCC to block the release of his film in Karnataka. He was rapped on the knuckles by the Karnataka High Court after he sought the court’s urgent intervention for the release of his movie Thug Life in the state.

Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life’s release faces trouble in Karnataka.

The film’s release in Karnataka is facing trouble due to opposition to Kamal’s statement on the Kannada language. However, the actor has categorically refused to apologise. He had moved the HC to seek direction from authorities, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, to prevent any opposition to the release of Thug Life. His lawyer advocated that the statement was taken out of context and presented a reply written by Kamal Haasan to the court. As per Live Law, the bench said, “If it is a reply of apology, we will take it. There is no apology in it. You may be Kamal Hassan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses.”

“A public figure cannot make such a statement.”

Further admonishing the veteran actor on his statement that Kannada was born out of Tamil, the HC bench said, “Division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement. What has happened because of it? Unrest, disharmony. The people of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection. On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian or linguist? On what basis did you speak? You know the importance of the film, saying it is made by Mani Ratnam, but you cannot make a statement.”

Kamal Haasan had moved the Karnataka High Court after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a boycott of the film unless the actor publicly apologised for his recent statements.