Thug Life LIVE | 'I should thank state of TN which stood by me', says Kamal
In first public appearance after Karnataka High Court criticised him over his 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' comment, Kamal praises Mani Ratnam, co-stars
Addressing a press conference in Chennai a day ahead the release of his film Thug Life, film star Kamal Haasan on Wednesday (June 4) did not make any comment on the row related to his remark on the Kannada language. However, he said: "I should thank the entire state of Tamil Nadu which stood behind me."
"It is an honour to work in a Mani Ratnam film. The movie's cast is like our soldiers. Big stars are working in this movie and have come for Mani Ratnam's name even though they have 30 years of experience," he said.
Sharing the stage here with Thug Life stars, including Silambarasan, Kamal spoke on the hard work and international quality behind the film.
This is Kamal's first public appearance after the Karnataka High Court criticised him strongly on Tuesday in connection with his "Kannada was born out of Tamil" comment.
Subsequently, the president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Narasimhalu, has expressed his willingness to hold discussions with the veteran actor. In a clear sign of softening his stand, Narasimhalu told The Federal that the KFCC is open to dialogue. Read the full interview here.
Release halted
Kamal Haasan has agreed to temporarily 'halt' the release of Thug Life in Karnataka after backlash over his remarks, which were perceived as disrespectful to Kannada sentiments. While maintaining that his comments were made "without malice," the actor declined to issue an apology.
Instead, he offered to engage in discussions with the Karnataka Film Chamber to address the issue. The film, initially scheduled for a pan-India release on June 5, will now skip its premiere in Karnataka.
Also read: Outrage against celebrities not over Kannada, it is about respecting the local
Read live updates here
Live Updates
- 4 Jun 2025 2:41 PM IST
Kamal Haasan shares stage with 'Thug Life' crew
Kamal Haasan on Wednesday shared the stage here with Thug Life costars including Silambarasan, but did not make any comment on the row related to his remark on the Kannada language.
Haasan spoke on the hardwork and international quality behind the Mani Ratnam directorial Thug Life, which is set for release on June 5, and said, "I should thank the entire state of Tamil Nadu which stood behind me."
This is the first public appearance of Haasan after the Karnataka High Court criticised him in connection with his Kannada was born out of Tamil comment.
- 4 Jun 2025 2:23 PM IST
Will speak at the right time: Kamal Haasan
“I thank the media for your support, I am also thankful to others who stood by me," Kamal Haasan said. “We have a lot to speak, but not now. We will speak at the right time."
- 3 Jun 2025 4:14 PM IST
Key KFCC meeting on in Bengaluru
Key KFCC meeting is on in Bengaluru to discuss the next course of action after Kamal refused to apologise.
- 3 Jun 2025 3:50 PM IST
MNM party puts up posters supporting Kamal on Kannada language row
The Makkal Needhi Maiam party has put up posters in Chennai supporting its leader Kamal Haasan in the row triggered by his remarks on the origin of Kannada language, and claimed ‘truth’ needed no apology.
The posters were put up in the city ahead of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce’s meeting to discuss the release of the veteran actor's film 'Thug Life', following opposition from some pro-Kannada groups demanding an apology from him before the film was released in Karnataka.
The image of the posters, shared by the MNM functionary, said the party firmly stood with its leader and emphasised that there was no need for an apology for speaking the truth.
- 3 Jun 2025 3:41 PM IST
What Kamal’s lawyer told HC
During the hearing of the actor’s petition to allow the screening of the film, his lawyer stated that Kamal was willing to wait for the film’s release in Karnataka.
“He has said that I can wait and the release of the movie in Karnataka can also wait,” senior advocate Dhyan Chinappa told the Karnataka High Court, as reported by India Today.
The actor’s counsel also told the court that just one statement made by Kamal should not be used to claim that he had insulted the Kannada language.
“One statement was made in reference to an individual. Another superstar was being invited. One statement cannot result in thinking that the language itself is being impinged upon. We just want to clarify that,” the counsel said.
- 3 Jun 2025 3:16 PM IST
Case adjourned till June 10
Karnataka High Court adjourns the case till June 10.
- 3 Jun 2025 3:15 PM IST
Kamal Haasan refuses to apologise
Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise for his "Kannada born out of Tamil" remark.
