The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has taken a firm stance, demanding a public apology from actor Kamal Haasan regarding his recent comments concerning the Kannada language. The film body has issued a deadline of May 30th for the superstar to issue this apology, making it clear that failure to do so will result in them preventing the release of his upcoming film, Thug Life, in the state.
KFCC president M Narasimhalu explained the organization’s position, stating, “Many Kannada groups have demanded a ban on his movie. So, we met and discussed the matter, and we’ve decided that he should apologise. We agree that what he did was wrong, and we are trying to meet and talk to him.”
Adding further weight to the demand, former KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu asserted the film body’s lack of leniency towards the actor. “We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film’s release unless he apologises publicly,” he declared.
Veteran actor Jayamala, who previously headed KFCC from 2008 to 2010, also voiced her condemnation of Kamal Haasan’s statement. “Whenever there is a language controversy, all Kannadigas must unite — that is our duty. Whether Kamal Haasan spoke knowingly or unknowingly, his statement was wrong. Kannada was not born out of Tamil,” she affirmed, echoing the sentiment of the film chamber and various Kannada groups. The ultimatum from KFCC underscores the sensitivity surrounding language issues and the potential repercussions for filmmakers who make remarks deemed offensive to the local linguistic identity.
