KFCC Demands Apology from Kamal Haasan by Tonight or Faces Ban on Thug Life

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has put veteran actor Kamal Haasan on the spot, giving him until tonight to apologize for a remark that’s got Kannadigas up in arms. At the Chennai audio launch of his upcoming movie Thug Life, Haasan said the Kannada language “came from Tamil,” a comment that’s rubbed many the wrong way. If he doesn’t say sorry, the KFCC says Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and set for a June 5 release, won’t hit screens in Karnataka.

• KFCC gives Kamal Haasan till tonight to apologize—or Thug Life won’t release in Karnataka
• After saying Kannada “came from Tamil,” Kamal Haasan faces mounting backlash and a statewide film ban threat
• As protests grow, Haasan’s refusal to apologize puts Thug Life’s Karnataka release in serious jeopardy

KFCC President M. Narasimhalu, after meeting with film industry folks, told reporters,"Many Kannada groups are upset and want the movie banned. We’ve decided Kamal Haasan must apologize for his incorrect and hurtful remark." Former KFCC head Sa Ra Govindu doubled down, warning, "If he doesn’t apologize, protests will grow, and the film won’t be shown here."

The drama kicked off when Haasan, standing next to Kannada star Shivarajkumar at the Thug Life event, suggested Kannada owed its roots to Tamil. That didn’t sit well with Kannadigas, who take pride in their language’s distinct heritage. Pro-Kannada groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike hit the streets, ripping down movie posters in Bengaluru, Belagavi, and Mysuru. A police complaint was even filed against Haasan at Bengaluru’s RT Nagar station, claiming his words stirred up bad blood between Kannadigas and Tamils.

Karnataka’s Kannada and Culture Minister, Shivaraj Tangadagi, threw his weight behind the ban demand, saying Haasan’s comment hurt local pride. Actor Jayamala, a former KFCC president, added, "Kannada has its own identity, not derived from Tamil. He should take responsibility and apologize."

Also Read: Kamal Haasan Faces Backlash in Karnataka Over "Kannada Born from Tamil" Remark

Haasan, speaking from Thiruvananthapuram, brushed off the backlash, saying his comment was made “out of love” and he’s not apologizing. That’s only added fuel to the fire, with Karnataka’s film community and activists digging in their heels.

As the clock ticks down, fans and theater owners in Karnataka are left hanging, wondering if they’ll get to see Thug Life on the big screen. It’s all up to Haasan now.