Jun 03, 2025 01:16 PM IST

Kannada row: The courtroom requested Kamal Haasan’s lawyer if he had apologised for his comment. 

Hearing Kamal Haasan’s plea looking for the discharge of ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka amid a row triggered by his comment on Kannada, the Karnataka excessive courtroom on Tuesday noticed that language is linked to the feelings of the individuals and a public determine should chorus from making such remarks. Referring to Hassan’s remark that Kannada originated from Tamil, the courtroom, in a strongly phrased query, requested if Haasan had remarked in his capability as a historian or a linguist.

Bengaluru: Kannada activists maintain posters of actor Kamal Haasan throughout a protest in opposition to the latter for his remarks concerning the Kannada language.(PTI)

“The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement… The people of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection,” the excessive courtroom was quoted as saying by Live Law.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has introduced that Haasan’s film, slated to be launched on June 5, will probably be boycotted except the actor points a public apology.

Anticipating disruption within the launch of his movie, the actor-politician approached the courtroom on Monday, looking for pressing intervention for the sleek launch of the movie and ample safety at theatres planning to indicate it.

Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, showing for Haasan, stated the discharge of the film cannot be stopped.

In response, the courtroom requested the lawyer if Haasan had apologised for the comment. “You may be Kamala Hassan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses,” it noticed.

“On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian, linguist? On what basis did you speak?” the courtroom added.

The courtroom additional reminded Kamal Haasan that he’s not an peculiar man however a public determine. It additional stated that the “fundamental right of speech and expression cannot be stretched to hurt the sentiments of the masses.”

The courtroom requested Kamal Haasan to apologise as “you want to earn from here”.

It stated the state of affairs was created by the actor-politician, and it may be redeemed by him.

“We will not permit anybody’s sentiments to be taken for a ride. Mistakes happen; you must know what to do when mistakes happen,” it stated.

The courtroom famous that spoken phrases can’t be taken again, however an apology will be issued. “You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg,” the courtroom added.

Also learn: ‘Won’t apologise if I’m not unsuitable’: Kamal Haasan amid row over Kannada language comment

KFCC calls for an apology

KFCC president M. Narasimhalu on Monday reiterated the Chamber’s stand that the movie will not be launched in Karnataka till Haasan apologises. “Let Kamal Haasan go to court. We have not done anything illegal. But we will not allow the screening of Thug Life in Karnataka unless he apologises,” Narasimhalu advised PTI.

“This is not just a film industry matter anymore. It has become a question of language and state pride. We have also received a letter from the government regarding the issue. The people of Karnataka, pro-Kannada organisations, and even politicians have demanded an apology,” he added.

Haasan earlier this week stated that his remarks stemmed from love and cultural appreciation. He, nevertheless, indicated that he would not apologise. “Love will never apologise,” he added.