Bengaluru: Tensions flared in Bengaluru on Sunday as members of the pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka ‘Rakshana Vedike’ staged a protest outside Victory Cinema Theatre in Kamakshipalya, urging the management to halt the release of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life.

The agitation stems from the veteran actor’s alleged comment during a promotional event in Chennai, where he reportedly claimed that “Kannada is born out of Tamil” – a remark that has sparked widespread outrage across Karnataka.

The outfit issued a stern warning to theatre owners, saying the film should not be screened in the state. “Kamal Haasan has spoken against the Kannada language. We will not allow Kamal Haasan's film to be released in Karnataka. They said that the film will be released at the Victory Cinema. In this context, we came here today and told the theatre owners not to release Kamal Haasan's film. Kamal Haasan's film should not be released in Karnataka. If the film is released, the government will be held responsible for any untoward incidents that follow,” Praveen Shetty, leading the protest, told ANI.

The controversy has also prompted the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to step in. In solidarity with pro-Kannada groups, the KFCC has imposed a ban on the film’s release in the state, pending a public apology from the actor.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu said, “When there is pressure, I have to do it. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it. Even they would speak about it. Definitely, there is no 'Sorry' term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan. We will surely not release the film. We (KFCC) will stand with Rakshina Vedike and other Kannada organisations.”

Earlier this week, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah weighed in on the controversy, criticising Haasan’s comment and suggesting it stemmed from ignorance. “Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,” he remarked.

Reacting to the backlash, Kamal Haasan had addressed media outside the DMK headquarters in Chennai, saying, “It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not, I won't.”

Thug Life, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, features Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR in pivotal roles alongside Kamal Haasan. Its release now hangs in the balance amid growing calls for accountability and linguistic respect.