Renowned actor Kamal Haasan has temporarily halted the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka amid growing protests triggered by a statement he made concerning the Kannada language’s origins.
The issue arose after Haasan remarked that Kannada “originated from Tamil,” a claim that stirred controversy and was deemed disrespectful by several Kannada cultural organizations. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) responded swiftly, advising a hold on the film’s release within the state until the matter is resolved.
As public criticism escalated, Haasan’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, approached the Karnataka High Court seeking permission and protection for the film’s release. However, the judiciary was critical of Haasan’s stance, particularly his unwillingness to apologize for his comments. Justice M. Nagaprasanna expressed concern about the social tensions resulting from the statement, questioning Haasan’s credibility to make such linguistic claims.
“You’re a public figure. When you speak, people listen. Instead of calming the situation, your words led to unrest. All the people wanted was an apology,” the judge observed during the hearing.
Despite the strong judicial remarks, Haasan refused to retract or apologize for his comment. He maintained that his intention was rooted in respect and cultural appreciation, not controversy. “Love never apologizes,” he said, emphasizing that his words were misinterpreted and that he stood by them.
The controversy has prompted widespread demonstrations from pro-Kannada groups who insist that the film should not be screened in Karnataka unless a formal apology is issued. To avoid further conflict, Haasan has voluntarily paused the film’s release in the state, stating it would not be shown “for now.”
Thug Life, directed by legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam and featuring music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman, marks the reunion of Ratnam and Haasan after nearly four decades since their last collaboration on Nayakan. The movie is scheduled for a global release on June 5, 2025, outside of Karnataka.
The Karnataka High Court has postponed the next hearing to June 10, leaving the film’s fate in the state uncertain. The incident reflects the sensitivity of linguistic identity in India and highlights how statements from public personalities can quickly escalate into larger regional issues.
As the debate continues, Thug Life has already gained significant media attention, not just for its cinematic appeal but for the cultural dialogue it has unintentionally sparked.
