Last week, Kamal Haasan found himself in the midst of controversy following a remark he made during an event for Thug Life, where the actor said that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”. This statement resulted in bashing from the Karnataka government and pro-Kannada organisations. Matters escalated when Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) provided an ultimatum to the actor—either apologise or the Thug Life will not be allowed to screen in the state.
ALSO READ | Kamal Haasan given 24 hours to apologise; moves Karnataka HC amid language row
Refusing to apologise, Haasan moved to the Karnataka High Court on Monday to restrain the government and film chamber from barring the film’s release in the state. On Tuesday, the Karnataka court remarked that a simple apology would suffice. "You apologise, then no problem. You want to earn some crores from Karnataka also," High Court Judge M. Nagaprasannna said, according to Bar and Bench.
Following the court session on Tuesday afternoon, Haasan informed the Karnataka HC that the film would not be released in the state. Justice Nagaprasanna noted that the producers of the action-drama have informed that they are not willing to screen the movie in the state unless there is a dialogue or a trialogue involving the KFCC, PTI reported.
In Haasan’s earlier request to provide security in theatres playing Thug Life in Karnataka, the High Court has adjourned the hearing of the matter to June 10.
The 70-year-old had previously clarified that his comments were made out of love and “love will never apologise”. A complaint by a pro-Kannada organisation, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike alleged that "Every time a new Tamil movie is released, they have been constantly hurting the self-respect of Kannadigas. Such statements have been made continuously and have further disrupted peace and order between Kannadigas and Tamils.”
