Actor and politician Kamal Haasan's recent remark regarding the origins of the Kannada language has ignited a firestorm of controversy, exposing fault lines within the INDIA bloc, particularly between its allies in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Haasan's statement, made at the audio launch of his upcoming film "Thug Life," suggesting that "Kannada came from Tamil," has been met with strong opposition in Karnataka, leading to demands for an apology and threats of a ban on his film.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has taken a firm stance, insisting on a public apology from Haasan as a prerequisite for the film's release in the state. Pro-Kannada groups have also staged protests, further intensifying the pressure on the actor.
In response to the backlash, Haasan has approached the Karnataka High Court, seeking directives to ensure the smooth release of "Thug Life" in Karnataka. During a court hearing on June 3, 2025, Justice M. Nagaprasanna questioned Haasan's refusal to apologize for the remark, stating that a simple apology could have resolved the issue and also asked if he was a historian or linguist to make such a claim. The court acknowledged his right to freedom of speech but cautioned that it should not be used to offend public sentiment. The court also highlighted the potential economic losses if the film is not screened in Karnataka.
Despite the mounting pressure and the High Court's suggestion, Kamal Haasan has refused to apologize for his comments, maintaining that he has done nothing wrong. He has however written to the KFCC stating that his comments were "misunderstood" and clarified that they were made out of “genuine affection” for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family in Karnataka. He further stated that his words were intended only to convey that "we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way".
The controversy has placed the Congress government in Karnataka in a difficult position. While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has emphasized Kannada's ancient legacy, the Congress party in Karnataka has also condemned Haasan's statement. This situation has forced the Karnataka Congress to publicly rebuke their own ally, highlighting the challenges of managing regional sensitivities within a national coalition.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK has backed Kamal Haasan, further deepening the divide between the INDIA bloc allies. Haasan, who is expected to become a Rajya Sabha MP with DMK support, has remained steadfast in his stance, refusing to retract his statement. This divergence in opinion underscores the complexities of aligning regional interests and linguistic identities within a broad political alliance.
The situation has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some accusing the INDIA bloc of fueling division and promoting parochial politics. Concerns have been raised about the impact of such controversies on national cohesion and unity. Some analysts see this as "poetic justice", with regional parties now facing the consequences of prioritizing regionalism and identity politics.
As of June 3, 2025, "Thug Life" will not be released in Karnataka as part of its worldwide launch on June 5, Raajkamal Films International stated that they are not willing to screen the movie in Karnataka unless an encouraging dialogue takes place with the KFCC. The film's release in Karnataka remains uncertain, pending a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
