Amid growing backlash over his recent remark that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada” during the ‘Thug Life’ audio launch in Chennai, Kamal Haasan has finally responded. The veteran actor-politician stated firmly that he will only apologise if he genuinely believes he is wrong. Speaking to the Press and Media outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai, Kamal Haasan said, “If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t. This is my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with it.” He also emphasised his faith in democratic values and the Indian legal system, adding, “India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice.”Kannada organisations condemn Kamal Haasan’s remark on language originsHis statement comes in the wake of intense protests in Karnatakawhere various Kannada organisations, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, have taken strong offence to his comment. The controversy escalated when protestors gathered in cities like Belagavi, demanding an apology from Haasan, arguing that his comment undermined the linguistic and cultural pride of Kannada speakers.Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce imposes ban on ‘Thug Life’The matter reached a tipping point when the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) officially announced a ban on the release of ‘Thug Life’ across the state. In a press meet held in Bengaluru, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu said the decision was made in solidarity with Kannada organisations. “There has been no apology from Kamal Haasan. We stand with the people of Karnataka and won’t allow the release of ‘Thug Life’ unless he addresses this issue respectfully,” he declared.The future of Mani ratnam’s ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka remains uncertain‘Thug Life,’ directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, Trisha, and Silambarasan, was highly anticipated across South India. However, with tensions mounting in Karnataka and calls for cultural accountability growing louder, the film’s regional release now hangs in uncertainty.
