Should Kamal Haasan Apologize for His Comments on Kannada Language?

Bengaluru, June 3 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has issued a warning to actor Kamal Haasan regarding his contentious statement about the roots of the Kannada language, questioning the necessity of police protection for his error. “Do not exploit the Right to Speech to offend sentiments,” the court remarked.

The bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, made these comments while evaluating a petition filed by Kamal Haasan for security during the release of his film Thug Life in cinemas and multiplexes across Karnataka.

Kamal Haasan ignited debate by claiming that Kannada is derived from Tamil. He has declined to apologize, despite facing significant backlash throughout the state.

The court requested clarification from Kamal Haasan's attorney regarding the actor’s position on issuing an apology and postponed the hearing until 2:30 p.m.

The bench pointed out that a notable figure like C. Rajagopalachari had made a comparable assertion in 1950 about the origins of Kannada and later issued an apology after public outcry, even without a profit motive. “If someone of such stature can apologize, and a similar statement emerges after 75 years with commercial interests involved...” the court noted.

“You aim to profit from the people of Karnataka while refusing to apologize. I wish to see the movie, but I can't due to the surrounding controversy. If you don't want to apologize, why release it here?” the court challenged.

“Movies are created for profit, so why should the police offer protection for your blunder? The public is asking for an apology. You have acknowledged the statement and are maintaining your refusal to apologize,” the court emphasized.

“One statement could settle this matter, yet you choose not to apologize. If you refuse, why proceed with the release in Karnataka?” the court admonished the actor.

Kamal Haasan's lawyer argued that the actor did not demean the language and made his comments with affection.

In the meantime, officials from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Industries have begun discussions about potentially prohibiting the release of Kamal Haasan's Thug Life in the state.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked on Tuesday, “The state government is not taking any stance. Kamal is a well-known actor. His admiration for Tamil is understandable, but he cannot offend the Kannada language. It’s not too late; he should apologize to the people of Karnataka and rectify his unwise actions.”