Kamal Haasan's 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' remark causes massive political controversy ahead of Thug Life's release

Kamal Haasan

Tamil actor and superstar Kamal Haasan has caused a stir only weeks before the premiere of his much anticipate film Thug Life, alleging that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" - a comment that has led to protests across Karnataka.

These words were said during an event in Chennai during the promotions of Thug Life.

According to a report in NDTV, Kamal Haasan's address opened with "Uyire Urave Tamizhe", which means "my life and my family" in Tamil.

He then shifted to Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, at the event and said "This is my family. That's why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That's why I began my speech saying life, relationship and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included," said Kamal Haasan.

These remarks have sparked outrage in Karnataka, with state BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa labeling it "uncultured" behaviour and accusing him of "disrespecting" and "hurting the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas" in his attempt to "glorify his own mother tongue."

The BJP chief also demanded an “unconditional apology” to Kannadigas. Talking to X, he said that artists should respect every language. “It is the height of arrogance that actor @ikamalhaasan, who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada,” he said further.

Yediyurappa claimed that while Kannadigas are not language haters, they would never surrender self-respect for their land, language, people, ideals, or water.

Meanwhile, Praveen Shetty, head of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, stated: "Today, we are issuing a severe warning to him. If you want to conduct business in Karnataka and screen your movies, you must quit denigrating Kannada and Kannadigas."

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Earlier, while promoting in Tamil at the event, Kamal Haasan emphasised the need of learning the language of their neighboring state first, followed by Hindi.

Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and will be shown in theaters on June 5. This film marks the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after 38 years.