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
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Live Updates
- 3 Jun 2025 2:40 PM IST
Apologising does not make anyone small: Yediyurappa
'Kannada is the truth, Kannada is eternal' is not only the slogan of Kannadigas, it is also the initiation of Kannadigas on their mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi. Many senior language experts have proven that Kannada did not originate from any particular language. It is extremely regrettable and condemnable that artist Kamal Haasan, who is not an expert in history or linguistics, spoke insensitively about the Kannada language. His behavior of unnecessarily disrupting peace, harmony and harmony is not right. In the heat of expressing his opinion, he has hurt the feelings of crores of Kannadigas, and he must respectfully apologize to Kannada and Kannadigas. Apologizing does not make anyone small, nor does arrogance make anyone big!: BS Yediyurappa
- 3 Jun 2025 2:22 PM IST
'I am misunderstood': Kamal Haasan tells Karnataka film chamber
Actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday said his recent statement at the 'Thug Life' audio launch event in connection with the evolution of Kannada language was misunderstood and that his words were taken out of context.
The acclaimed actor, writing to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), acknowledged the film body's concern and said: "It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch, spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr Rajkumar's family, especially Shiva Rajkumar has been misunderstood and taken out of context." He said he only intended to convey that "we are all one, and from the same (linguistic) family," and did not mean to diminish the Kannada language in any way.
"There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language," he said adding he was writing out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka.
- 3 Jun 2025 2:09 PM IST
Kamal's apology will solve everything: Judge
Justice Nagaprasanna of the Karnataka High Court said the matter could be resolved if Kamal issued an apology. "Now you are here for a commercial interest that police should protect you, for a situation created by you! One apology would have solved everything. But look at the attitude," the judge said.
He made it clear that in the name of freedom of expression, no one can hurt the people’s sentiments.
"Why do you want the film to run in Karnataka (if you won't apologise)? Leave it. Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurting the sentiments of a mass. If you apologise, then no problem. You want to earn some crores from Karnataka also. You (Kamal Haasan) are not an ordinary man ... Even ordinary people (are facing cases for this kind of statements). You admit your statement and you say that you will not apologise," the judge said.
Justice Nagaprasanna further stated he would take up the matter again at 2.30 pm. "We will pass an order on whether he is entitled to protection or not. We can take it at 2.30. I can pass an order. A person creates circumstances, it creates unrest. He should be aware of it ... Think about it. Use your good office (to advice the petitioner) ... If you still want to stick to your guns, we will answer it. I will take it at 2.30," he added.
- 3 Jun 2025 2:06 PM IST
It was love, not war, says Thug Life co-producer
The plea in the Karnataka High Court was filed by the co-producer of Thug Life, Raajkamal Films International, funded by Kamal.
It came in the wake of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce's (KFCC) decision not to allow the movie to be released in Karnataka since the actor is yet to apologise. Thug Life is scheduled to be released on Thursday, June 5.
KFCC announced its decision following Kamal’s statement refusing to apologise for his remarks.
In its petition, Raajkamal Films argued that Haasan's remark was misquoted and misinterpreted and, contrary to the allegations, it was meant to express the love and friendship between the people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- 3 Jun 2025 2:04 PM IST
Are you a linguist or historian: Judge to Kamal
The Karnataka High Court took a firm line on Kamal Haasan's "Kannada came from Tamil" remark.
"If a public figure makes a statement like this...No language can be born out of another — where is the material? And what has happened — disharmony.
"And what have the people of Karnataka asked? (Only) an apology. The circumstances were created by Kamal Haasan, and he has said he won't apologise. You have undermined the sentiments of the people of Karnataka...On what basis? Are you a historian or a linguist?" asked the judge.
The bench made the remarks during the hearing of a plea seeking directions to ensure that Thug Life be allowed to release and screened in Karnataka without any obstruction.
