Bengaluru: The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has banned the release of Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life on the controversial remarks of the actor about Kannada language during the audio launch of its film in Chennai last week.
During a media interaction in Bengaluru on Friday, KFCC representative Sa Ra Govindu said that he has decided to ban the release of Kamal Haasan starrer ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka as he is firm with Karnataka Rakshana Vedic and other Kannada organizations, which prevent their demands for actor issues.
The representative of KFCC said that Kamal Haasan has not yet forgiven the Kannada people for harming the sentiments of the Kannada during his publicity program in Chennai.
He said, “When there is pressure, I have to do it. Even Karnataka Raksha Vedic was present; whatever they say, we should do this. Even they will speak about it. Certainly, the word ‘reghed’ is not being specified anywhere by Kamal Hasan. We will definitely not release the film.
Kamal Haasan and his film ‘Thug Life’ came under the radar of controversy in Karnataka, when the actor allegedly stated that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” during a preacher program in Chennai “.
Subsequently, there were protests against Kamal Haasan near Inox Cinema Hall in Belagavi, Karnataka. The protests were organized by the Karnataka Rakshan Vedic Organization, which expressed its anger and demanded the actor’s apology on the issue.
On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized Kamal Haasan after his alleged remarks about Kannada language, stating that he was not aware of the “long” history of the language.
Karnataka CM said, “Kannada has a long history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.”
Congress MLA from Karnataka Rizwan Arshad expressed his disappointment on Haasan’s remarks, called it unfortunate and questioned the need for such a debate at a time when national unity is paramount.
“What kind of debate is this? Kannada language has a history of thousands of years … Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages ​​and are part of the foundation of our country … Is this debate necessary when we all have to unite? … I did not expect Kamal Haasan to make such a statement.”
‘Thug Life’ has been directed by Mani Ratnam and Stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan and Silambarson TR in the lead roles.
