Kannada language row: 'My love for Karnataka is true, won't apologise,' says Kamal Haasan; Thug Life banned in Karnataka

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has banned the release of Kamal Haasan's new film Thug Life in Karnataka. The ban follows Kamal Haasan's statement on the Kannada language. The Film Chamber had earlier stated that it would block the release if Kamal Haasan did not apologize within 24 hours on the issue. However, Kamal Haasan's stance was that he would not apologize. The release of the film was blocked after this. The action was taken following pressure from pro-Kannada organizations and political parties.

Protests have erupted in Karnataka against actor Kamal Haasan's statement that the Kannada language was born from Tamil. Kamal had said that the Kannada language was born from Tamil while speaking at the audio launch of Mani Ratnam's Thug Life in Chennai. The remark was made while explaining his relationship with actor Shivraj Kumar in the presence of him. "This is my family. That's why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That's why I began my speech saying life, relationship and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included," said Kamal Haasan on the Kanada origin.

Parties including the Congress and the BJP also protested against Kamal's remarks. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded that it was unfortunate that Kamal did not know the history of the Kannada language. The BJP and pro-Kannada organizations had demanded an apology from the actor.