Kamal Haasan, a veteran celebrity, has addressed the controversy over his remarks regarding the Kannada language. The actor claimed that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada” while promoting his next film, Thug Life. Karnataka residents took issue with Kamal Haasan’s comment during the audio premiere of the Mani Ratnam-directed film in Chennai.
While protesting Kamal Haasan for hurting Kannada feelings in Bengaluru and Belagavi, pro-Kannada groups requested an apology from the actor. On social media, irate supporters threatened to boycott the June 5, 2025, release date. “Kannada language has a very long history…he (Kamal Haasan) doesn’t know,” Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to the controversy.
The BJP also joined the outcry and called on the celebrity to issue an apology. Kamal Haasan’s comments were denounced by Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra as “uncultured” and “insulting” to Kannada and its 6.5 crore speakers.
Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the movie’s promotion, Kamal Haasan claimed that people “have confused the issue.” The National Award-winning actor added, “I spoke from the heart.” Political leaders “are not qualified to talk about it,” he continued (history of languages). “They, like me, lack the education necessary to discuss it. The debates should be left to historians, linguists, and archaeologists. “People will look after Kamal Haasan and Thug Life,” he declared.
Speaking about his controversial statement, Kamal Haasan said, “It was a statement of love to Mr Shivanna (Kannada star Shivarajkumar). His father (Dr Rajkumar) is like my father. We are a family, and so are the other languages. “If you look at it from the Northern point of view, what they say is right. If you look at it from Thenkumari, then what I say is right. There is a third angle to it, that’s where the language experts come into play. They will say both the parties are right but ‘they must decide where they want to belong, with their family or with the languages that came from the North’. It’s up to the people. It’s a democratic country.”
Tamil Nadu is an open state, according to the Nayakan actor. Three Mandya natives—a Menon, a Reddy, and a Kannadiga Iyengar—have been appointed chief ministers of Tamil Nadu. Karnataka was the state that supported me when there was an issue in Chennai caused by the chief minister who was from Karnataka. “Come, we will give you a house,” the Kannadigas offered. Do not leave the area.
“This is not an answer,” he said at the end of his response. It provides an explanation. Love never says sorry. Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Silambarasan TR, and Trisha are also featured in Thug Life. Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies and Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International are producing the film.
