Actor Kamal Haasan’s much anticipated film Thug Life will not be released in Karnataka as originally scheduled on June 5, following a controversy over his recent remarks about the Kannada language. The actor has declined to apologise for stating that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” a comment that sparked widespread backlash.
Earlier in the day, the Karnataka High Court came down heavily on the actor and urged him to apologise for hurting the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people. The actor had approached the court seeking protection from protesters who had threatened to boycott the film in the state.
During the post-lunch hearing, the court noted that Kamal was unwilling to screen the movie in Karnataka unless the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) was keen to have a dialogue with him.
On Tuesday, Kamal Haasan wrote a letter to the KFCC clarifying that his comments were “misunderstood” and taken out of context. But he did not offer an apology.
“He [Kamala Hassan] said 'Art can wait and he says release can wait in Karnataka',” the court noted.
“We will not release the film in Karnataka. My lord may adjourn the movie for a week. I am not asking for police protection for today. We will have a dialogue with KFCC if they are willing to discuss it, we will discuss. Whatever is written is sincere in the letter,” Kamal Haasan’s counsel Dhyan Chinappa told the court, according to Live Law.
In his letter to the KFCC, Kamal Haasan wrote, “My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way. There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language.”
Kamal Haasan’s counsel told the court that there was “no malice” in his comments as clarified in the statement. However, referring that the word “apology” was missing in his statement, the court orally said, “One sentence is missing.”
When the counsel argued that an apology is warranted only when there is malice, the court reportedly responded that Kamal was holding on to his ego.
"This is where you are sticking on to the ego not apologising... It may be Kamal Hassan or anyone… it is the sentiments of the masses of the state that has been undermined is what the problem has arisen about... You should understand the magnitude of the problem. It can lead to something else. Your statement can stop everything else. It is at that crossroads. If your intention is this (Letter to chamber) why not end it with… It is an explanation for a clarification,” the court said.
The court has adjourned the hearing to June 10.