Bengaluru: Actor and politician Kamal Haasan on Tuesday informed the Karnataka High Court that his film Thug Life will not be released in the state for now, amid an ongoing controversy over his remarks about the Kannada language. The development comes in the wake of backlash against his statement made during a promotional event last month.

Production house tells court: ‘Nothing to apologise for’

Kamal Haasan’s production company, Raajkamal Films International, told the Karnataka High Court that there was no reason for the actor to issue an apology. A written statement submitted by the company was aimed at addressing the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce’s (KFCC) demand for an apology.

Court rebukes Kamal Haasan for remarks on kannada language

The Karnataka High Court took a stern view of Haasan’s statement, in which he reportedly claimed that the Kannada language was born out of Tamil. During the court proceedings, the actor’s legal representative stated:

“Kamal Haasan has the utmost respect for Kannada and nothing more needs to be said,” firmly denying the need for an apology.

The court responded sharply: “This is your ego speaking.”

Haasan’s lawyer added that there was no need for security at the moment since the film would not be released in the state and said the team would engage in discussions with the film chamber.

The matter is scheduled to be heard again on 10 June.

Court warns against hurting public sentiments

The High Court noted that Kamal Haasan’s statement had “stirred a hornets’ nest” and caused unrest in Karnataka. It stressed that while there may be many languages, the nation is one.

“You might be a popular film star but that does not permit you to hurt public sentiments,” the court remarked.

Granting the actor time until 2.30 pm on Tuesday to “make amends”, the bench observed: “Discretion is the best part of valour. We will not permit anybody’s sentiments to be taken for a ride. Mistakes happen, you must know what to do when mistakes happen.”

KFCC bans ‘Thug Life’ over language controversy

Last week, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce announced a ban on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka following the actor’s comment about the origin of the Kannada language and his refusal to apologise.

The controversy stems from Haasan’s remarks at a promotional event in Chennai, where he reportedly stated that “Kannada is born out of Tamil”.

During a press interaction in Bengaluru on 30 May, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu said the decision to ban the film was taken in solidarity with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations, who have demanded a public apology from the actor before allowing the film’s release in the state.

No apology yet from Kamal Haasan

As per reports, Kamal Haasan has not issued a public apology so far for his comments, which many in Karnataka believe have hurt the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people.