The Karnataka High Court has strongly criticized actor-politician Kamal Haasan regarding his recent remarks about the origins of the Kannada language. The controversy arose from a statement Haasan made at the audio launch of his upcoming film, Thug Life, in Chennai on May 24, 2025, where he claimed that "Tamil gave birth to Kannada." This comment ignited immediate backlash and protests from pro-Kannada organizations across Karnataka, who demanded a formal apology.
Amid the escalating controversy, Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal International, filed a petition with the Karnataka High Court seeking protection to ensure the smooth release of Thug Life in the state. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had previously warned that the film would be barred from release unless Haasan issued an apology.
During the hearing on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Justice Nagaprasanna voiced strong disapproval of Haasan's remarks. The judge stated that no citizen, regardless of their stature, has the right to hurt the sentiments of others, emphasizing the importance of "Jala, Nila, Bashe" (water, land, and language) to the people. He further added that the division of the country occurred on linguistic lines, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding language issues.
Justice Nagaprasanna questioned the basis of Haasan's statement, asking if he was a historian or a linguist, and pointed out the disharmony it had created. The judge noted that all the people of Karnataka wanted was an apology. The court also highlighted that Haasan himself created the situation and is now seeking police protection for commercial gain. Justice Nagaprasanna remarked that "One apology would have solved everything,".
The court further pressed the issue of Haasan's refusal to apologize, even after acknowledging that his comments had caused distress to Kannada actor Shivaraj Kumar. Justice Nagaprasanna referenced a similar situation where Rajagopal Acharya had apologized for a similar statement decades ago, underscoring the significance of language as a sentiment attached to a particular group of people.
The High Court emphasized that Haasan is a public figure and should be aware of the impact of his words. Justice Nagaprasanna noted that even ordinary people are facing cases for making similar statements.
Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinappa, representing the producers, argued that the statement may be based on historical interpretations. However, the court remained firm in its stance that an apology would have been the appropriate response.
In response to the ongoing controversy and the High Court's remarks, the KFCC has maintained its position that it will not allow the film to be screened in Karnataka unless Haasan apologizes. KFCC President M Narasimhalu stated that the issue has become a matter of state and language pride, with widespread demand for an apology from pro-Kannada organizations, politicians, and the general public. Distributors of Thug Life are reportedly planning to discuss the matter with Haasan, who is currently promoting the film in Dubai, before deciding on their next course of action.
Meanwhile, Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has taken a firm stance, stating that all of Kamal Haasan's films will be banned in Karnataka if he does not apologize for his remarks. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also weighed in, asserting that Kannada has a long and well-documented history, implying that Haasan was simply unaware of the facts.