Kamal Haasan writes to K'taka Film Chamber amid ‘Thug Life’ row: ‘Misunderstood and taken out of context’

Chennai: Actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday issued a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) after the film union body decided to ban the release of his film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka amid the ongoing controversy around his "Kannada is born out of Tamil' remark.

In a letter addressed to the President of KFC, Kamal Haasan said that his statement about the Kannada language at his film 'Thug Life' audio launch in Chennai has been "misunderstood" as he claims to have spoken it "out of genuine affection" for legendary Dr Rajkumar's family in Karnataka.

"I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity. 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. 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," wrote Kamal Haasan.

The 'Thug Life' actor said that he loves all languages and has immense "respect" for the love of the Kannadigas for their language.

Earlier today, the Karnataka High Court strongly criticised actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan for his recent remark suggesting that "Kannada was born out of Tamil", and observed that a "single apology could have resolved the situation."

Justice M Nagaprasanna, who presided over the hearing, said that the statement had hurt the sentiments of the people of Karnataka and questioned Haasan's refusal to offer an apology.

In the letter dated June 3 2025, Haasan addressed the concerns raised over his remarks during the audio launch of ‘Thug Life,’ which many perceived as offensive to the Kannada-speaking community. He clarified that his words were misunderstood and taken out of context.

Full letter

"I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity.

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. 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. Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired.

Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue. My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and all languages of this land is abiding and heartfelt. I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of the Union of India.

I know and speak the language of Cinema. Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also only to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us. It is this love and bond that my seniors taught me which I wanted to share. It is out of this love and bond that Shivanna attended the audio launch event. I really regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this. But am sure our true love and respect for each other will always remain and get firmer now.

Cinema must remain a bridge between people – never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement and I never have been nor would ever want to give any room for public unrest and animosity.

I sincerely hope my words are received in the spirit they were intended, and that my enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognised in its true light. I earnestly believe that this misunderstanding is temporary and an opportunity to reiterate our mutual love and respect."