Apologise or face ban: Karnataka govt tells Kamal Haasan

The Karnataka government has warned that it will seek a ban on actor Kamal Haasan unless he apologises for his controversial remark, claiming that Kannada originated from Tamil.

''Kamal Haasan should apologise. Otherwise, we will ask the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to ban him and his films in Karnataka,'' Kannada and Culture minister Shivaraj Thangadagi said, reminding Kamal about singer Sonu Nigam's apology earlier this month for ''hurting Kannada sentiments''.

Kamal Haasan's Thug Life, directed by ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam, is slated for release early next month. Many Kannada outfits also threatened to obstruct the screening of Thug Life in the state.

Karnataka Film Chamber meet today

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president M Narasimhalu said that he has called for a meeting with all stakeholders of Kannada film industry to discuss a possible ban on Haasan.

"We will meet on Thursday and will let the world know the outcome by afternoon," he said.

Protests across Karnataka

The actor's comments have sparked outrage among several pro-Kannada outfits. These groups staged protests against him in various parts of the state like Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi and Bengaluru, among others.

The activists claimed that Kannada has a history spanning thousands of years. As a demonstration of their anger, they burnt Kamal Hassan's posters at Belagavi and few other places, and raised slogans against him.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation, lodged a complaint with Bengaluru Police against Kamal Haasan for his remarks.

Congress, BJP slam Kamal Haasan

While Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked that “poor Kamal Haasan” was not aware of the long history of Kannada, state BJP chief BY Vijayendra lambasted the actor over his remarks and demanded an “unconditional apology” from him.

“Kannada has been a prominent language in many parts of the world, including India, for centuries. The fact that Kannada is the most respected language in the world should be known to narrow-minded people like Kamal Haasan” stated Vijayendra in a post on X.

“Kamal Haasan, who is supposed to bring harmony to South India, has been continuously insulting Hinduism and hurting religious sentiments for the past few years,” he added.

Kamal says won't apologise

Haasan claimed his remarks were made out of love and that "love will never apologise." While talking to reporters in Kerala, Haasan said those who triggered a row over his statements were "confusing the issue".

"What I said, was said out of love. And a lot of historians have taught me language history and I did not mean anything." He also said Tamil Nadu is a "rare state" which has been open to anyone.

"And, let me tell you, Tamil Nadu is a place which has been open. I don't say there is no other state like this. But a very rare state where a Menon (MG Ramachandran) has been our Chief Minister...a Reddy (Omandur Ramasamy Reddiyar) has been our chief minister, a Tamil (M Karunanidhi) has been our chief minister and then a Kannadiga Iyengar has been our CM, from Mandya," the actor said. The Kannadiga Iyengar was an apparent reference to the late Jayalalithaa.