The ongoing rift between Kamal Haasan and sections of the Kannada-speaking community has only intensified with time, evolving from public outrage into a legal battle. What began as a controversy over a remark at the Thug Life audio launch has now reached the Karnataka High Court.
In a sharp response, the High Court criticised the veteran actor, asking, “Are you a historian or a linguist? If you want Thug Life to see a smooth release, you must issue a clear apology as you hurted their (Kannadigas) sentiments.”
Following the court’s remarks, Kamal Haasan addressed the matter officially through a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). In it, he expressed regret over the misunderstanding surrounding his statement, clarifying that his words were meant to express unity and affection, particularly towards Shiva Rajkumar, and not to undermine the Kannada language or its legacy. He reiterated his deep respect for all Indian languages and emphasised that cinema should foster connection, not division.
However, the High Court remained unconvinced. During the post-lunch session, the bench observed that Kamal did not appear truly apologetic, and adjourned the matter to June 10, 2025.
In a significant move, Kamal Haasan has now decided to halt the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, leaving the fate of the film’s regional release uncertain. All eyes are now on how the situation will evolve and whether a resolution can be reached in the coming days.