Kamal Haasan writes letter to Karnataka film body following his controversial statement: "My love for the language is genuine

The actor emphasized his affection for all languages and expressed profound respect for the Kannadiga people's deep-rooted love and pride in their native tongue.

After the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) banned the release of Kamal Haasan's upcoming movie Thug Life in Karnataka, the actor responded to their decision. This follows a dispute that was triggered by his statement that "Kannada is born out of Tamil."

According to ANI, Kamal Haasan explained in a letter to the president of the KFCC that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he meant to convey his sincere love and respect, particularly for the Karnataka family of the renowned actor Dr. Rajkumar. He mentioned in the letter that his words were "misunderstood".

The Thug Life actor wrote, "I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity. 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."

"There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of the Kannada language. Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue," he further added.

The actor emphasized his affection for all languages and expressed profound respect for the Kannadiga people's deep-rooted love and pride in their native tongue.

He then continued in the letter, "My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam -- and all languages of this land-- is abiding and heartfelt. I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of the Union of India."

Kamal Haasan also stated in the letter that he knows and speaks the "language of cinema". "I know and speak the language of Cinema. Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also only to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us. It is this love and bond that my seniors taught me, which I wanted to share. It is out of this love and bond that Shivanna attended the audio launch event. I regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this. But I'm sure our true love and respect for each other will always remain and get firmer now," he wrote.

While concluding he wrote, "Cinema must remain a bridge between people -- never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement, and I have never been nor would ever want to give any room for public unrest and animosity. I sincerely hope my words are received in the spirit they were intended, and that my enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognised in its true light. I earnestly believe that this misunderstanding is temporary and an opportunity to reiterate our mutual love and respect."

Also read: Karnataka High Court raps Kamal Haasan over Tamil-Kannada remark

The Karnataka High Court started considering petitions on Tuesday, asking that the state's authorities, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, refrain from taking any steps to prevent the release or showing of Kamal Haasan's movie Thug Life. The court has adjourned the hearing to 2:30 PM for further proceedings. June 5 is the scheduled release date for the film's theatrical release.

(With inputs from ANI)