Kamal Haasan on pro-Kannada groups threatening to ban Thug Life in Karnataka: "I've been threatened earlier too, if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not...'

Kamal Haasan

Tamil superstar and MNM President Kamal Haasan is embroiled in a controversy over a remark that he says was made out of his love of Kannada.

The actor, who will be seen in his upcoming movie Thug Life directed Mani Ratnam, today spoke with the media and reiterated that he will only apologise 'if I am wrong.'

Kamal Haasan was interacting with the media when he was asked about the entire controversy and he said: "It is a democratic country and I believe in law and justice. I believe always love will always win, My Love for Karnataka is true. My love for Andhra Pradesh, Keral is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not, I won't..."

Pro-Kannada groups has asked to boycott his film Thug Life in Karnataka for his remark that Kannada was born out of Tamil. They have been demanding an unconditional apology from him over his remark.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) said on Thursday (May 30) that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language.

#WATCH | Chennai: "It is a democracy. I believe in the law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I'm not, I pic.twitter.com/ZtNMhPYETq
ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025

Earlier speaking to reporters after a meeting with the stakeholders from the industry, KFCC president M Narasimhalu, said the chamber office-bearers are trying to meet and talk to him.

"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," said Narasimhalu.

KFCC former president Sa Ra Govindu said if Haasan doesn't apologise by tomorrow, KFCC will not allow the film to be released here.

"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," said Govindu.

Actor Jayamala, who headed KFCC between 2008 and 2010 said, "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 also said there is nothing wrong in expressing regret for a mistake instead of trying to justify it.

"We are trying to talk to him and help him understand that his words were deeply hurtful to Kannadigas. It is his moral responsibility to apologise," she added.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan's recent statement claiming that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a promotional event for his upcoming film 'Thug Life' has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations.

Karnataka Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, who had also called for a ban on May 28, sent out a letter to KFCC.

A copy of the letter, which was made available to journalists on Thursday, stated that Haasan’s speech deeply hurt the sentiments of all Kannadigas.

"No matter how big a person is, one cannot tolerate such statements when it comes to our land, water and language. Kamal Haasan should immediately apologise to Kannadigas. And if he does not, the films in which he has acted should be banned immediately in Karnataka," read the letter.

The actor on Wednesday had also said that his remarks on Kannada were said out of love and that "love will never apologise." (With PTI Inputs)