From Kamal Haasan's remark on Kannada language to KFCC banning his film Thug Life in Karnataka, a look at the timeline of the controversy

From Kamal Haasan's remark on Kannada language to KFCC banning his film Thug Life in Karnataka, a look at the timeline of the controversy

Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life has been banned in Karnataka following a linguistic controversy that erupted after a remark made by the actor during a promotional event. Here’s a detailed timeline of the events:

May 24, 2025 – Controversial Remark at Audio Launch

During the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai, Kamal Haasan stated that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” referencing the shared Dravidian roots of the two languages. This comment sparked immediate backlash from Kannada-speaking communities and cultural organizations, who perceived it as diminishing the independent heritage of the Kannada language .

May 25–27 – Protests and Political Reactions

Pro-Kannada groups, including the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, organized protests in cities like Belagavi, Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi. Demonstrators tore down posters of Thug Life and demanded an apology from Haasan. Karnataka’s Kannada and Culture Minister, Shivaraj Tangadagi, formally requested the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to ban Haasan’s films in the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized Haasan’s remarks, stating that the actor was unaware of the long-standing history of the Kannada language .

May 28 – KFCC Issues Ultimatum

The KFCC held a meeting with stakeholders, including the film’s distributor, and declared that Thug Life would not be released in Karnataka unless Kamal Haasan issued a public apology. Former KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu emphasized the need for Haasan to apologize to the people of Karnataka .

Also Read: Kamal Haasan's Thug Life banned in Karnataka

May 30 – Haasan Responds

Addressing the media outside the DMK headquarters in Chennai, Kamal Haasan stated, “If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t. This is my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with it.” He emphasized his belief in democracy and the legal system, asserting that he would not apologize unless he believed he was genuinely at fault .

May 30 – Official Ban Announced

With no apology forthcoming, the KFCC officially banned the release of Thug Life in Karnataka. The chamber expressed solidarity with pro-Kannada organizations and reiterated that the film would not be screened in the state unless Haasan issued a public apology .

Background on Thug Life

Thug Life is a Tamil-language action drama directed by Mani Ratnam, marking his reunion with Kamal Haasan after the 1987 classic Nayakan. The film features a star-studded cast, including Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, and music by A.R. Rahman. It is scheduled for a worldwide release on June 5, 2025 .