Karnataka Film Chamber open to talks with Kamal Haasan over 'Thug Life' release

The controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan’s remarks on the Kannada language has stirred significant debate over the past few days, both online and within the film industry. The issue stemmed from his speech during the audio launch of Thug Life, where he referenced the roots of the Kannada language.

This prompted backlash from several Kannada organizations and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, who demanded an apology. As the matter escalated, protests began to erupt, and the film’s release in Karnataka faced serious roadblocks. Some groups even threatened to disrupt screenings, taking the issue to court.Court questioned Kamal Haasan’s statementIn court, the judge questioned whether Kamal Haasan had any basis for his claim that Kannada originated from Tamil.

The judge stated that public figures, regardless of their stature, must avoid statements that hurt cultural sentiments. He added that for a film with a ₹300 crore budget, a public apology might be a reasonable step toward resolving the conflict and ensuring a smooth release in Karnataka. However, Kamal Haasan stood firm in his stance and submitted a letter clarifying that his words were misunderstood and never meant to undermine the Kannada language.

Kamal Haasan issues clarification but refuses to apologizeInterestingly, the judge noted that Kamal’s letter did not contain any direct apology, and due to the tension, the release of Thug Life in Karnataka has been temporarily postponed. Kamal's legal team requested a week’s time and asked for the release date to be rescheduled, leading the court to adjourn the case to June 10.Karnataka Film Chamber signals peace talksDespite the turbulence, a hopeful turn has emerged. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), through its president Narasimmalu, expressed openness to dialogue with Kamal Haasan. Acknowledging Kamal Haasan’s strong fanbase in Karnataka, the Chamber stated their interest in holding peaceful discussions to resolve the matter and ensure that 'Thug Life' gets released in the state without further conflict.