- Wednesday, June 04, 2025
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has banned the release of Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, after the actor refused to apologize for his Kannada-Tamil remark. Protests erupted following his controversial statement at a Chennai event.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Kamal Haasan’s highly-anticipated film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, has been banned from releasing in Karnataka following the actor’s refusal to apologise over his controversial remark regarding the Kannada language. The decision, announced on Friday (30), by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), has sparked intense debate and protest across the state.
During a media briefing in Bengaluru, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu confirmed the ban, stating that the chamber stands united with Kannada organizations like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. The protestors demanded that Kamal Haasan apologize publicly for his comments made during the Thug Life audio launch in Chennai, where he reportedly stated, “Kannada is born out of Tamil.”
This remark was met with widespread backlash across Karnataka, leading to demands for a formal apology. However, Kamal Haasan has stood his ground, refusing to issue any such statement. Sa Ra Govindu said, “When there is pressure, I have to do. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it. Even they would speak about it. Definitely, there is no ‘Sorry’ term being specified anywhere by Kamal Hassan.”
He added, “We will surely not release the film. We [KFCC] will stand with Rakshina Vedike and other Kannada organisations.” Earlier, the film body had given Haasan a two-day ultimatum to issue an apology, which the actor did not meet.
Thug Life, a collaboration between acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam and veteran actor Kamal Haasan, also stars Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR. It was expected to be one of the biggest Tamil releases of 2025 with a pan-India appeal. However, this controversy has now cast a shadow over its Karnataka release.
In response to the controversy, Kamal Haasan addressed the media, defending his position and expressing confidence in the democratic process. “This is a democratic country. I believe in law and justice. I believe love will always triumph. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except those who have an agenda. I have been threatened before,” he said.
Adding to his stance, Haasan stated, “If I am wrong, I will apologize. If I am not, then I won’t.” His response has further divided public opinion, with some praising his honesty and others criticizing him for not diffusing the situation with a simple apology.
As things stand, Thug Life will not be screened in Karnataka until the issue is resolved. The situation continues to evolve, and all eyes are now on whether the actor or the filmmakers will reconsider their position or find a middle ground to ensure a smooth release across all regions.
