The South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), the representative body for film, television, and stage actors in Tamil Nadu, has voiced its strong support for veteran actor Kamal Haasan amidst the backlash he's facing in Karnataka over his recent remarks concerning the Kannada language. The controversy arose after Haasan stated that "Tamil gave birth to Kannada" during the audio launch of his upcoming film "Thug Life." This comment triggered widespread criticism from pro-Kannada groups, who felt it belittled their language and hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.
In a statement released on Friday, May 30, 2025, the SIAA urged the Karnataka government, the Kannada film industry, and the people of Karnataka to consider the true intent behind Haasan's comments, cautioning against impulsive reactions. The association warned that the ongoing campaign against the actor could set a "dark precedent" in the world of cinema and public discourse, potentially affecting artistic freedom.
The SIAA emphasized that misrepresenting a renowned and respected figure like Kamal Haasan, who has consistently promoted unity across regional and linguistic boundaries, would be a grave injustice. They stated that portraying Haasan as anti-Kannada is entirely unacceptable and that no individual with awareness and rationality would support such a narrative. The association firmly believes that questioning Haasan's integrity is an insult to decades of cultural unity and artistic excellence.
The statement also highlighted Haasan's long-standing ties with Karnataka, recalling his close friendship with the legendary Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar and his bond with the playwright-actor Girish Karnad. The SIAA reminded everyone of Haasan's public appeal for Dr. Rajkumar's release when he was abducted by forest brigand Veerappan in 2000, underscoring his deep affection and respect for the Kannada icon. The association noted that Haasan has always considered Dr. Rajkumar as a brother and holds Dr. Shivarajkumar in the regard of a son.
Amidst the controversy, protests have erupted in various parts of Karnataka, with some activists threatening to block the release of "Thug Life," which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 5, 2025. Furthermore, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed after Kamal Haasan's portrait was set ablaze in Bengaluru, reflecting the intensity of the situation. BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, even labeled the actor a "mental patient" and called for a ban on all of his films in Karnataka.
Addressing the media in Chennai, Kamal Haasan stood his ground, stating that his remarks were made out of love and that he would not apologize for something said with affection. He affirmed his belief in democracy, law, and justice, and asserted his genuine love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Haasan stated that only those with an agenda would doubt his sincerity, adding that he has faced threats before and will only apologize if he is proven wrong.
The SIAA's strong support for Kamal Haasan reflects the broader sentiment within the Tamil film fraternity, with many calling for a more thoughtful and respectful public dialogue. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the release of "Thug Life" and the relationship between the Tamil and Kannada film industries.
