Bengaluru – Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has taken legal action against the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) by filing a petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the ban on his highly anticipated film Thug Life. The ban was imposed following a heated controversy over his remarks on the origins of the Kannada language.
The petition, filed by Raaj Kamal Films International, urges the court to revoke the Chamber’s decision, arguing that Haasan’s comments — suggesting Kannada evolved from Tamil — were taken out of context and misrepresented. The production company claims the ban infringes on artistic freedom and sets a troubling precedent for creative expression.
The KFCC had earlier demanded a public apology from Haasan, warning that the film would not be screened in Karnataka without one. Cultural Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi and several pro-Kannada groups also called for a ban, asserting that the actor’s remarks had hurt regional sentiments.
Despite the backlash, Kamal Haasan remained firm. Speaking to the media at a DMK event in Chennai, he stated, “This is a democratic country. I believe in law and justice. Love always triumphs. My respect for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. If I’ve made a mistake, I will apologize. If not, I won’t.”
The KFCC claims it reached out to Haasan via email to address the protests, but did not receive a response. The controversy erupted during a promotional event in Chennai where Haasan made the now-contentious remark.
With Thug Life slated for release on June 5, the film’s screening in Karnataka remains uncertain — pending the outcome of the legal battle now unfolding in court.
