Thug Life: Kamal Haasan refuses to apologise for Tamil-Kannada remark, delays release in Karnataka

Dubai: Tamil Nadu actor-politician Kamal Haasan has decided to stand firm in the Karnataka High Court, refusing to apologise for his controversial statement that the Kannada language was “born out of Tamil”.

The remark has triggered a sharp backlash and calls for a ban on his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Haasan’s lawyer told the court that the actor holds the “utmost respect for Kannada and nothing more needs to be said.” The court, however, was unimpressed and responded, “This is your ego speaking.”

Haasan has decided not to release Thug Life in Karnataka for now. “We don’t need security as of now as we are not going to release [the film]; we will hold talks with the film chamber,” his counsel said.

The court warned Haasan against misusing his right to free speech to hurt public sentiments. “You are not an ordinary man,” it noted, referring to the 70-year-old star’s high profile and expected nomination to the Rajya Sabha with support from Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK.

The bench also delivered a culinary-themed caution: “The spoken word can’t be taken back, but there can be an apology. You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg.”

The court urged Haasan to apologise, stating, “You have a right to speech... but not to hurt sentiments. The fundamental right of free speech cannot extend to hurting the masses.”

The court further said: “Withdraw that statement... that is all. Crores can be earned from Karnataka... but if you don’t need the people [of Karnataka], then leave the revenue. But we will not permit anyone to take public sentiments for a ride.”

“If it has hurt anyone, you should say: ‘It is in this context I spoke, but if it has hurt anyone, I apologise’,” the bench added.

‘I haven’t done anything wrong, so won’t apologise’

The case stems from a petition seeking a directive to prevent any obstruction or ban on the film’s release in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had earlier stated that Thug Life would not be allowed to premiere in the state unless Haasan issued an apology.

KFCC President M. Narasimhulu said, “Kamal Haasan insists ‘I haven’t done anything wrong, so won’t apologise’. But if he does not, there is no question of allowing the film’s release.”

When the court resumed hearing in the afternoon, it again noted: “This is you sticking on to your ego.” Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, appearing for the petitioner, said he would confer with his client on the court’s strong suggestion for an apology.

He added that Kamal Haasan had not insulted Kannada but had spoken out of affection. “You use your good office and come back, all is well that ends well,” the court said, indicating that an apology would settle the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for June 10.

On Friday, Haasan had ruled out an apology, stating, “This is a democracy and I believe in law and justice. I would have apologised if I felt my remarks were wrong.”

The controversy began when Haasan, speaking at a Chennai event to launch Thug Life, used the phrase “uyire urave Tamizhe” — meaning “my life and my family is Tamil.”

Turning to Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, who was also present, Haasan remarked, “this is my family in that place. That’s why he (Rajkumar) has come... that’s why I began saying ‘life, relationship and Tamil’. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included...”

The statement drew immediate criticism. Karnataka BJP chief B.S. Yediyurappa accused Haasan of insulting Kannada. The BJP is the main opposition in Karnataka and is allied with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier in court, Chinnappa argued that neither the KFCC nor the Karnataka government had the authority to ban a film already cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He quipped, “Thug Life has become Thuggy,” summing up the situation with irony.

‘Why can’t Haasan apologise?’

Justice M. Nagaprasanna, during the hearing, recalled that in 1950, C. Rajagopalachari made a similar remark but publicly apologised. He questioned why Kamal Haasan couldn’t do the same.

“You (Kamal Haasan) have no right to hurt sentiments. In this country, jala (water), nela (land), and bhashe (language) are deeply cherished by people. What did the people of Karnataka ask for? Just an apology. But there is neither an apology nor an explanation. This entire situation has been created by Kamal Haasan,” the judge told the petitioner’s counsel.

The judge also asked, “Are you a historian or a linguist? On what basis did you speak? If Rajagopalachari could issue a public apology 75 years ago, why can’t you? You’ve come to this court seeking police protection for a situation you created — and for commercial gain.”

Justice Nagaprasanna emphasised that language is a deep-rooted sentiment tied to the land and identity of its people. “Kannada is a strong language. It won’t wither because of such comments. But freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments,” he said.

He also reminded the court that superstar Rajinikanth had issued an apology for his remarks about the Cauvery issue during the release of Kaala.