Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan faces backlash as Karnataka High Court questions his refusal to apologise for a controversial statement, threatening the release of his film Thug Life in the state.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on June 3, 2025, sharply criticized actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan for his claim that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” made during the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai. The court, hearing Haasan’s plea for police protection to ensure the film’s release in Karnataka, questioned his refusal to apologise, noting that a simple apology could have resolved the issue.
Court’s Stern Rebuke
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, expressed dismay at Haasan’s stance, stating, “We will not permit anybody to take anybody’s sentiments for a ride.” The court highlighted the sensitivity of linguistic identity, emphasizing that sentiments tied to “Nela, Jala, and Bhashe” (land, water, and language) are sacrosanct. “The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such statements causing unrest and disharmony,” the judge remarked, questioning Haasan’s credentials as a historian or linguist to make such a claim.
Haasan’s Defiance Sparks Protests
Haasan’s statement, made on May 25, 2025, triggered widespread protests across Karnataka, with Kannada organizations and political groups demanding an apology. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) warned that Thug Life would not be screened in the state without a public apology. Haasan, in a letter to the KFCC, claimed he was “misunderstood” but stopped short of apologising, stating, “If I am wrong, I will apologise. If I am not, then I won’t.” This defiance led to heightened tensions, prompting Haasan to seek court intervention for the film’s release.
Historical Precedent Cited
The court drew a parallel with former Governor-General C Rajagopalachari, who issued a public apology 75 years ago for a similar remark. “If Rajagopalachari could apologise, why can’t you?” Justice Nagaprasanna asked, criticizing Haasan for seeking police protection to mitigate a situation he created for commercial interests. The court dismissed Haasan’s counsel’s attempt to clarify the statement via video, noting that the absence of an apology aggravated public sentiment.
Public and Industry Reactions
The controversy has ignited debates on X, with some users defending Haasan’s freedom of expression, while others argue that his remarks disrespect Karnataka’s cultural identity. Kannada Rakshana Vedike, a prominent organization, staged protests in Bengaluru, burning effigies of Haasan. Industry analysts estimate that a potential ban on Thug Life could cost its makers ₹50 crore in Karnataka’s box office revenue, given the state’s significant share in South Indian film markets. The film, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Haasan, Silambarasan, and Trisha, is slated for a July 2025 release.
Linguistic Sensitivity in Context
Linguistic pride remains a sensitive issue in India, with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu having a history of language-based disputes, including over the Cauvery River. A 2023 study by the Centre for Policy Studies noted that 68% of Kannadigas view their language as a core component of their identity, making Haasan’s remark particularly inflammatory. The court adjourned the hearing, urging Haasan to reconsider his stance, with a decision on the film’s release pending further deliberation.