Kamal Haasan addresses press conference a day after cancelling Thug Life in Karnataka: "Will speak at the right time"

The veteran actor was advised by the court to either retract his statement or offer an apology.

Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan addressed the media during a press conference along with the cast of his upcoming film Thug Life on June 4, Wednesday, amidst the ongoing controversy following a recent remark he made about the origin of the Kannada language during the promotional activity of the film.

Making his first public appearance since the controversy and the High Court’s strong remarks, Kamal Haasan chose to remain tight-lipped, stating that he would address the issue when the time is right.  He also said, "I should thank the entire state of Tamil Nadu which stood behind me."

Haasan also considered the deep significance of the catchphrase he has often employed in public speeches: "Uyire, Urave, Tamizhe." He underlined how the three words—which translate to "life," "soul," and "Tamil"—combine to express a strong affection for the Tamil language and his close ties to it.

It's interesting to note that the veteran actor used the same slogan when he made remarks about the evolution of the Kannada language at the Thug Life promotional event in Chennai, which sparked the controversy.

Kamal Haasan spoke in detail about the tremendous hard work put in by the crew behind his upcoming film Thug Life, which is scheduled for release on June 5. He highlighted the international calibre of the technicians involved in the making of the film.

The actor also thanked the media for their support. Speaking of his upcoming film he also said, "It is an honour to work in a mani Ratnam movie. The movie's cast is like our soldiers. Big stars are working in this movie and have come for mani Ratnam's name even though they have 30 years of experience."

Despite ongoing discussions with the Karnataka Film Chamber to try to settle the matter amicably, Kamal Haasan informed the Karnataka High Court on June 3 of his decision to not release Thug Life in the state.

The veteran actor was advised by the court to either retract his statement or offer an apology. Kamal Haasan, who had petitioned the court for protection, defended his stance, claiming that his remarks were made without malice.

The statement came after the court granted him time until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday (June 3) to clarify whether he would offer an apology for his controversial assertion that “Kannada is born out of Tamil.”

Kamal Haasan also wrote a letter to the president of the KFCC mentioning that his statement was misunderstood. "It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch -- spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family, especially Shiva Rajkumar -- has been misunderstood and taken out of context. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way."

In his letter to the film chamber, the actor stated that he has long admired Kannada's "proud literary and cultural tradition," much like Tamil. "Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community."

Following the Karnataka High Court's hearing on the matter, the KFCC's planned executive committee meeting to discuss the matter was postponed.

He also emphasised that he was using his constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and commerce. "I won't apologise for love." The matter has now been postponed until June 10.