BJP Ally JDS Demands Ban On Kamal Haasan's Thug Life In Karnataka Amid Kannada Remark Row

Last Updated:May 29, 2025, 13:10 IST

JD(S) demanded a ban on Kamal Haasan's "Thug Life" in Karnataka, accusing him of hurting Kannadigas' pride by linking Kannada's origins to Tamil.

Actor Kamal Haasan.(PTI)

Amid the Kannada remark row, the Janata Dal (Secular) on Thursday demanded that the Karnataka government should impose a ban on the film “Thug Life", by actor Kamal Hasan, saying that the actor has “hurt the self-esteem of Kannadigas".

This comes after Kamal Hasan landed in a controversy while attending the Thug Life audio launch event in Chennai, where he made a statement linking the origins of the Kannada language to Tamil.

In a post on X, the JD(S) said that, “The film by this language offender, who made childish and arrogant statements about the origin of the Kannada language, is set to release in the state on June 5. No permission should be granted for the screening of this film under any circumstances, and Kamal Haasan must be taught a lesson."

The party emphasised that the state government must send a warning to those who speak against Kannada land and language, affirming that we stand for the Kannada language.

While urging the government to “teach a lesson" to the South actor, the JD(S) said, “Kannadigas are tolerant. However, they will not tolerate any harm to their self-respect regarding Kannada land, language, culture, or heritage. The government will punish those who speak lightly against Kannada."

Kamal Hasan had said, “Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state. That’s why he is here. That’s why when I started my speech, I said ‘my life and my family are Tamil’. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that line."

The actor’s remarks quickly went viral and triggered backlash from pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka. They not only demanded an apology from Haasan but also a ban on his upcoming movie.

Haasan is currently gearing up for the release of Thug Life. The film follows the tale of Rangaraaya Sakthivel, a merciless gang leader portrayed by Kamal Haasan, and his brother Manickam. After a fierce confrontation, Sakthivel saves a young boy named Amaran and raises him like his own son. However, when an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel, suspicion falls on Amaran, setting off a gripping story of revenge and shifting loyalties.

Location :

Karnataka, India, India

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