Why Did Kamal Haasan Refuse to Apologize and Halt 'Thug Life' Release in Karnataka?

Bengaluru/Chennai, June 3 (NationPress) Actor Kamal Haasan has declined to offer an apology for his contentious statement concerning the origin of the Kannada language. He has notified the Karnataka High Court that his production company will not proceed with the release of his film ‘Thug Life’ in the state next week.

The High Court bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, acknowledged this declaration and postponed the hearing to June 10. While doing so, the bench urged Kamal Haasan to reconsider his stance on the issue.

Senior Counsel Dhyan Chinnappa, representing Kamal Haasan, argued that the actor should not be forced to apologize in any specific manner. The court interjected, clarifying that it had not mandated an apology from the actor.

The actor’s counsel asserted that while the court had not required an apology, the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce had. "We will engage with the film body. Consequently, we will not release 'Thug Life' in Karnataka," stated the counsel.

He further mentioned that he had conveyed to Kamal Haasan the court's observations from that morning. "Kamal Haasan has shown his respect for the Kannada language in his correspondence with the film body. He has not made any statements that diminish the Kannada language or used inappropriate language. Given there is no ill intent, he will not be apologizing," the counsel noted after sharing Kamal Haasan's letter with the court.

The bench remarked that instead of complicating matters, simply adding one word could have settled the issue. "His ego might be obstructing progress. Neither Kamal Haasan nor anyone else should hurt the sentiments of the public," the bench stated.

The actor’s counsel went on, "We should not divide ourselves along linguistic lines. Our nation is unified. Both the Kannada and Tamil languages deserve to prosper. The court has not mandated Kamal Haasan to apologize in a particular manner."

Earlier on Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court criticized Kamal Haasan over his controversial remark on the origins of the Kannada language, questioning the necessity for police protection due to his mistake. "Do not misuse the Right to Speech to offend sentiments," the court cautioned.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna remarked that such comments had offended the feelings of the people in Karnataka. "Language embodies the emotional and cultural identity of a community. No individual possesses the right to undermine the pride of an entire linguistic group," he asserted.

The judge further challenged Haasan's qualifications to make such claims, asking, "Are you a historian or linguist to utter such statements? No language emerges from another." He emphasized, "A simple apology could have rectified the situation." Justice Nagaprasanna highlighted the necessity of honoring cultural sensitivities and remarked, "Water, land, and language—Jala, Nela, Bashe—are sacred to the people.

The division of this nation itself was based on linguistic categories. No citizen is entitled to offend such sentiments.”

The bench, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, made these comments while reviewing a petition from Kamal Haasan seeking security for the screening of his film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka's theaters and multiplexes.

The controversy erupted after Haasan, during the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai in late May, allegedly stated, "Kannada was born out of Tamil."

Despite widespread protests in the state, he has continued to refuse to apologize.

The bench pointed out that a notable figure like C. Rajagopalachari had made a similar statement in 1950 regarding the origins of the Kannada language and later issued an apology following protests, despite lacking commercial intent. "If such a significant individual can apologize, and a comparable statement has emerged after 75 years, and there is a commercial motive..." the court reflected.

"You aim to profit from the people of Karnataka, yet you persist in refusing to apologize. I too wish to see the movie, but the controversy hinders that. If you refuse to apologize, why pursue its release here?" the court challenged.

"Cinema is created to generate profits. Why should police provide protection for your error? The public demands an apology from you. You have acknowledged making the statement but maintain you will not apologize," the court remarked.

"One statement could resolve this issue, yet you are not apologizing. If you refuse to apologize, why release it in Karnataka?" the court admonished the actor.

The counsel for Kamal Haasan contended that the actor has not disrespected the language and made the statement out of affection.

Meanwhile, officials from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Industries have initiated a meeting to deliberate on banning the release of Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked, "The court, considering all factors, has expressed its stance. The interests of the state and language must be safeguarded. I consulted literary figures and discussed the remark. We all belong to a Dravidian culture; there is no hierarchy present. All South Indian languages—Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam—share commonalities."

"Our people should also act responsibly and heed the court’s directives," he added.

In response to allegations from the BJP that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and he are adopting a lenient approach toward Kamal Haasan, Shivakumar asserted that the BJP always sows division, while the Congress party promotes unity. "Who will bear responsibility if anything goes awry? Each day, 50,000 individuals commute from Bengaluru to Hosur (a neighboring city in Tamil Nadu). Many reside here and work in Hosur."

"If he made an erroneous statement, he should apologize; the matter must not escalate. I hope Kamal Haasan will apologize. I urge Kannada organizations to refrain from extreme measures," Shivakumar concluded.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, Thug Life is scheduled for a pan-India release on June 5.