Kamal Haasan’s latest controversy has landed him in hot water. The veteran actor’s comment that the Kannada language was born out of Tamil has sparked outrage among Kannada supporters and cultural organizations. As a result, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has warned Haasan that if he doesn’t apologize publicly by May 30, his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ won’t be released in the state.
KFCC president M. Narasimhalu stated that chamber officials are trying to meet with Haasan to discuss the matter. “Many Kannada groups have demanded a ban on his film. We’ve decided that he should apologize. We agree that what he did was wrong, and we’re trying to meet and talk to him,” Narasimhalu said.
The controversy began when Haasan made the comment while promoting his film ‘Thug Life’. He later clarified that his remark was made out of love and that he didn’t mean to offend anyone. However, his explanation has done little to placate the angry Kannada supporters.
KFCC’s stern warning
Actress Jayamala, who headed the KFCC from 2008 to 2010, also weighed in on the controversy, saying that whenever there’s a language controversy, all Kannada people should unite. “Kamal Haasan’s statement was wrong, whether he said it intentionally or unintentionally. The Kannada language wasn’t born out of Tamil,” she said.
Jayamala added that instead of trying to justify his mistake, Haasan should express regret. “There’s nothing wrong with apologizing for a mistake,” she said.
The ‘Thug Life’ actor had earlier tweeted, “What I said was said out of love, and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn’t mean anything. Tamil Nadu…”
As the controversy continues to simmer, it remains to be seen whether Haasan will apologize and save his film’s release in Karnataka or face the wrath of the Kannada supporters.