As Kannada row escalates, Kamal finds some political support in TN
TVK sitting MLA Velmurugan warned that if 'Thug Life' is blocked in Karnataka, no Kannada films will be allowed to release in Tamil Nadu
Amid huge fury in Karnataka over Kamal Haasan's remark on the Kannada language, in which the AIADMK and Tamil Nadu BJP have joined in, the 70-year-old filmstar-politician is gaining some political support.
Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan, sitting MLA from Panruti constituency, has strongly supported the claim of Kamal, a film veteran and Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) president. Velmurugan issued a stern warning, stating that if Kamal's upcoming film Thug Life is blocked in Karnataka, no Kannada films will be allowed to release in Tamil Nadu.
Also read: 'Kamal Haasan respects Kannada deeply': Shivrajkumar’s first reaction on controversy
The controversy erupted when Kamal Haasan, speaking at the music launch event for his film Thug Life, remarked that Kannada was “born out of Tamil” while thanking Kannada actor Shivarajkumar. Kamal's statement, intended to express cultural affinity, sparked outrage in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada groups and political leaders from both the Congress and BJP condemning his remarks.
Insult to Kannada identity
Protesters in Karnataka tore down Thug Life promotional banners, demanding a public apology from Kamal, threatening to ban the film’s release scheduled for June 5.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state BJP chief BY Vijayendra criticised Kamal, with Vijayendra calling the statement an “insult” to Kannada identity. Siddaramaiah emphasised Kannada’s rich history, dismissing Kamal's claim as uninformed.
Love will never apologise
Velmurugan rallied behind Kamal, asserting that linguistic scholars, including Kannada researchers, have historically acknowledged Tamil as the root of Dravidian languages like Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu, and others. “This is a proven fact, and Karnataka’s opposition stems from envy and a competitive mindset against Tamils,” Velmurugan said in a statement.
He accused Karnataka’s political landscape of fostering anti-Tamil sentiment, favouring even Hindi and Sanskrit over Tamil.
Velmurugan’s statement also praised Haasan for standing firm, noting that the actor refused to apologise, saying, “Love will never apologise.”
Also read: Apologise or face ban: Karnataka govt tells Kamal Haasan
TN politicians back Kamal
Already many parties including DMK, PMK, VCK, NTK have extended their support to Kamal. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan defended the actor, stating, “Kamal Haasan quoted historical facts, not his own findings. The BJP is using this to divide people.”
VCK leader Thirumavalavan and Naam Tamilar Katchi’s Seeman reiterated that Tamil is the mother of Dravidian languages, citing historical evidence.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss highlighted Tamil’s status as the world’s oldest language, predating others, and urged for unity in celebrating all linguistic heritages.
Also read: ‘Poor Kamal Haasan’ unaware of Kannada’s long history, says Siddaramaiah
https://thefederal.com/category/states/south/karnataka/congress-bjp-slams-kamal-hassan-in-unison-over-kannada-was-born-out-of-tamil-remark-189270