The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has issued a strong warning, stating that actor Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film, Thug Life, will face obstruction in its release across the state of Karnataka unless the actor issues an apology for his controversial remarks suggesting that “Kannada is born out of Tamil.”
While acknowledging that the KFCC lacks the formal authority to impose a ban on any film, its president emphasized that the core issue revolves around the perceived insult and hurt caused to the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking population.
KFCC president NM Suresh articulated the organization’s stance, stating, “It’s not about the release of a movie starring a particular actor, or a language now. It is now about insulting and hurting the sentiments of the 7 crore people of Karnataka. Unless an apology comes from Kamal Haasan, the movie will not see a release in the state.”
The KFCC clarified that while matters of language and culture typically fall outside its direct jurisdiction, Kamal Haasan’s statement is considered a matter of significant concern for the state and the deeply held sentiments of its people. The film body deemed the actor’s statement as both unwarranted and inappropriate for a filmmaker of his considerable stature.
