Ram Gopal Varma Backs Kamal Haasan in Thug Life Controversy, Deletes Tweet

Kamal Haasan’s upcoming movie Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, has stirred up a storm in Karnataka after the actor commented during a promotional event in Chennai that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” The remark didn’t sit well with many in Karnataka, sparking protests and calls to boycott the film, which is set to hit theaters worldwide on June 5, 2025. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has taken a firm stand, warning that Thug Life won’t be allowed to release in the state unless Haasan apologizes publicly, fueling a heated debate over language and cultural pride.

• Kamal Haasan's comment that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" sparked widespread protests in Karnataka
• The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has threatened to ban Thug Life unless Haasan apologizes
• Haasan refuses to apologize unless proven wrong, while seeking court protection for the film’s release

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma briefly entered the fray, posting on X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the boycott threats. In a now-deleted tweet, Varma wrote, “DEMOCRACY’s new name is INTOLERANCE… threats to ban Thug Life in Karnataka unless @ikamalhaasan apologises, amounts to a new kind of HOOLIGANISM.” The post, which drew significant attention, was removed without explanation, leaving speculation about Varma’s decision to retract his support for Haasan.

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pushed back on Haasan’s claim, stressing that Kannada has its own rich history. BJP leaders and groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike also demanded an apology, and some protesters in Belagavi took it further, burning Haasan’s effigies outside an INOX cinema. “This is not just about cinema; it’s about the pride of our state,” said KFCC president M. Narasimhalu.

Haasan isn’t budging, though.“I believe in law and justice. If I am wrong, I would apologise, but if I’m not, I won’t,” he told reporters. His team at Raaj Kamal Films International has gone to the Karnataka High Court, asking for protection to ensure the movie can be shown without trouble and requesting police to secure theaters.

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

Thug Life, featuring stars like Silambarasan and Trisha Krishnan, is a big deal, marking Haasan and Ratnam’s first collaboration since their classic Nayakan. As Haasan returned to Chennai today, June 3, distributors are racing to sort out the mess, but it’s still unclear if Thug Life will make it to Karnataka’s screens.