‘All Kamal Haasan films to be banned in Karnataka’, says minister after actor refuses to apologise on Kannada remark row

On Friday, Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi stated that actor Kamal Haasan’s movies will be “banned” in the state, according to a decision by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), if he fails to apologize for his comments regarding the Kannada language.

In the meantime, KFCC president M Narasimhalu mentioned that exhibitors and distributors have willingly chosen not to show his film unless he offers an apology. On Thursday, KFCC announced that it will block the release of Haasan’s film Thug Life in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology for his controversial statements about the Kannada language by May 30.

Actor-politician Haasan’s recent remark stating that “Kannada emerged from Tamil” at a promotional event for his upcoming movie has ignited significant anger among pro-Kannada factions and cultural organizations.

“I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn’t apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture,” Tangadagi said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said that irrespective of how big the person is, who has spoken against — Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka’s land and water — it will not be tolerated. Haasan has to apologise, if not as decided by the film chamber of commerce, his films will be banned.

“We will not allow it, if he doesn’t apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn’t apologise, we will take our decision,” he added.

“I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage yesterday. Dr Rajkumar (Shivrajkumar’s father and Kannada thespian) and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaiga’s have also nurtured them. As a senior actor you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it. Let Shivarajkumar or another senior actor speak to him,” he said.

Further pointing at a controversy involving singer Sonu Nigam on Kannada issue, he said if actors from other languages come and speak about Kannada, should we tolerate it? “It cannot be tolerated. I support the stand taken by the film chamber of commerce. The government is with them on this matter.”

To a question on reported statements by some actors against the move to obstruct Haasan’s movie, Tangadagi asked, “…should we keep hearing such comments about Kannada? We want to see Kamal Haasan as an actor, but not as an actor limited to one language, because he has acted in all languages. Respecting actors is our duty, but when it comes to language, whoever it is– language is first, rest all later. So there is no question of compromise.”

In Chennai, Haasan again refused to apologize, asserting his faith in law and justice while expressing his genuine love for Karnataka. He stated that the supposed warning from pro-Kannada groups to boycott his film unless he apologizes for his comment was not unprecedented and that he had faced threats before.