Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ controversy deepens: Karnataka HC postpones hearing

The hearing on the petition filed by the makers of the film ‘Thug Life’ was postponed for a week. Read more on Dynamite News

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing for a week on a petition filed by the makers of the film 'Thug Life,' starring actor Kamal Haasan and produced by Rajkamal Films International, Chennai. The court took the decision after it was informed that Kamal Haasan had sent a recent communication to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), and it was also decided that the film will not be released in Karnataka until the matter is resolved in a communication with the KFCC.

According to Dynamite News correspondent Justice M. Nagaprasanna has now adjourned the matter to June 10 and issued notices to the state government, the central government, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Before adjourning the hearing, the judge also remarked that Kamal Haasan's latest communication also does not imply any apology from the actor.

Noting that the makers of the film had filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court on Monday. In fact, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had issued a press statement stating that the film will not be screened in Karnataka until Kamal Haasan apologizes for his controversial statement in which he said that the Kannada language originated from the Tamil language.

Challenged the imposed ban

The film's producer, Rajkamal Films International, has challenged the ban imposed by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and has also sought police protection for the release and screening of the film. In the context of Kamal Haasan's controversial statement, the court asked many serious questions of the actor. Justice Nagaprasanna asked the actor, "Are you a historian or a linguist? On what basis did you make this statement?" He also said, "If Rajagopalachari could apologize publicly 75 years ago, why can't you?"

The court said, "You have no right to hurt the sentiments of the people. Water, land, and language are important for the people in this country. What did the people of Karnataka want? An apology? There is neither an apology nor any explanation from your side. This is all a situation that Kamal Haasan has created himself."

Further, the court also said that "language is linked to the sentiments of the people, and the Kannada language is a strong language, which does not wither with such statements. Freedom of expression cannot be spread in such a way that it hurts the sentiments of the people."

What did Kamal Haasan say?

On May 28, during a promotional event in Chennai, Kamal Haasan said that "Kannada language was born from Tamil language." He said this emotionally and started the speech in the Tamil language, saying, 'Uyire Urave Tamizh' (My life and family are Tamil). Kamal, while taking the name of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, also said that his family is also there, so he is present here (Chennai). He also added that Tamil and Kannada are connected to each other, so everyone is a part of his family.