Veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s claim that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada” during a promotional event for his film Thug Life in Chennai has sparked a firestorm in Karnataka, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders, pro-Kannada groups, and netizens.
The controversy, erupting on the same day Haasan was nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat by his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), with DMK support, has led to protests, calls for a film ban, and a police complaint.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed Haasan’s remark, stating, “Kannada has a history spanning thousands of years. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.” Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra labeled the comment “uncultured” and “arrogant,” demanding an unconditional apology for disrespecting Kannada’s 2,500-year heritage and its 6.5 crore speakers. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad called the statement “unfortunate,” urging unity over divisive debates.
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Pro-Kannada groups, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), staged protests in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Mysuru, and Hubballi, burning Haasan’s posters and threatening to block Thug Life’s June 5 release unless he apologizes.
KRV’s Praveen Shetty accused Haasan of insulting Kannada while seeking business in Karnataka, warning of further action. A police complaint was filed in Bengaluru, and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce plans to discuss a potential ban on Haasan’s films on May 29.
Responding in Thiruvananthapuram, Haasan stood firm, calling his remark an “expression of love” and asserting, “Love will never apologise.” He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s inclusivity, noting past chief ministers like M.G. Ramachandran (a Menon) and Jayalalithaa (a Kannadiga Iyengar from Mandya), and recalled Karnataka’s support during past controversies. Haasan urged that language debates be left to historians, adding, “We are family, and so are the languages.”
The row has divided Tamil Nadu, with the DMK defending Haasan and accusing the BJP of fueling controversy, while Tamil Nadu BJP leaders demanded evidence for his claim. As tensions escalate, the fate of Thug Life in Karnataka hangs in the balance.
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