Kamal Haasan Holds Back ‘Thug Life’ Release in Karnataka Amid Language Row

Actor Kamal Haasan’s legal team on Tuesday informed the Karnataka High Court that his upcoming film Thug Life would not be released in the state for now. The decision came in the wake of sharp observations from the court regarding Haasan’s earlier remarks about the Kannada language and the absence of a formal apology.

The court was hearing a petition regarding the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, amid protests and objections triggered by Haasan’s controversial comments on the origins of Kannada. During the proceedings, Haasan’s senior counsel Dhyan Chinappa told the court that the actor was willing to delay the film’s release out of respect for the ongoing concerns. “He has said that I can wait and the release of the movie in Karnataka can also wait,” Chinappa stated.

The producers of the film also sought a week’s adjournment to allow time for further dialogue with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). The court accepted the request and set the next hearing for June 10 at 3:30 pm.

In an effort to address the controversy, Haasan’s counsel presented a letter sent by the actor to the KFCC. The letter, described as a “sincere expression” of respect for the Kannada language and its speakers, was read out in court. “Our statement is on record. We made this statement today only. The first thing he did was send out this letter. It has been written with all sincerity about language,” Chinappa said.

However, the court noted that while the letter conveyed goodwill and appreciation for Kannada, it did not include a direct apology — something the bench felt was essential. “Everything in this statement is fine. Only one sentence is missing,” remarked Justice M Nagaprasanna, hinting at the absence of a simple apology.

Defending Haasan’s intentions, the counsel argued that there was no malice in the actor’s original statement and that the controversy arose from a misinterpretation of remarks made during an audio launch. “One statement was made in reference to an individual. Another superstar was being invited. One statement cannot result in thinking that the language itself is being impinged upon,” he clarified.

The court, however, emphasized the importance of grace and humility in public discourse. “Apology is not a compulsion. It should have been the grace that he should have followed,” Justice Nagaprasanna stated. “There are many ways of clarifying statements but only one way of stating apology.”

Responding to the court’s suggestion that ego may be standing in the way of resolution, the counsel insisted that Haasan’s stance was rooted in principle, not pride. “It’s not ego. An explanation has been given. There was no intention to insult the language.”

As tensions over the issue continued, the counsel stressed that Kamal Haasan deeply values the people and culture of Karnataka. “We want this matter to be put to rest. Everyone has to survive in this industry. Tamil films will release in Karnataka… Kannada films will also release. No one can divide the country.”

The court recorded that the petitioner was currently not inclined to release the film in Karnataka and postponed the matter to June 10 to allow for further discussions.

IT.