Pro-Kannada organisation warns theatre owners on Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' release in Bengaluru amid Kannada language row

NEW DELHI: Members of pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) staged a protest outside Victory Cinema in Kamakshipalya on Sunday, opposing the release of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film 'Thug Life' over his alleged remarks on the Kannada language. The protesters, led by KRV’s Praveen Shetty, warned the theatre management against screening the film, citing Haasan’s recent comments at a Chennai event, where he reportedly said Kannada was "born out of Tamil". The statement triggered backlash from Kannada groups and led to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) banning the film's release across the state. “Kamal Haasan has insulted the Kannada language.

If his film is released in Karnataka, the government will be held responsible for any fallout,” Shetty told ANI. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also reacted to the controversy last week, saying, “Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.” Responding to the row, Haasan, speaking in Chennai, said, “It’s a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is true.

I won’t apologise unless I’m wrong.” Meanwhile, KFCC announced a formal ban on the film until Haasan issues a public apology. “There is no mention of ‘sorry’ in anything Kamal Haasan has said. We are standing with Kannada organisations, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike,” KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu said in Bengaluru.Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, also stars Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR.