The controversy erupted after Kamal Haasan recently remarked at an event that the Kannada language originated from Tamil, sparking widespread outrage in Karnataka
A poster of Thug Life movie (Image credit: YouTube)
BENGALURU: The imposition of a ban on the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka will become “inevitable” if Tamil actor Kamal Haasan fails to tender an apology to Kannadigas by the Friday deadline set by members of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda urged the Film Chamber to issue an order banning Thug Life, warning that if the chamber fails to act, the state government would initiate steps to ban the film. “The Film Chamber should not delay in issuing a ban on Thug Life,” said the MLA, who represents the Mandya Assembly constituency.
The controversy erupted after Kamal Haasan recently remarked at an event that the Kannada language originated from Tamil, sparking widespread outrage in Karnataka. Following protests, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce demanded an apology from the actor and set Friday as the deadline.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Minister Tangadagi said, “Let’s wait for the actor to tender an apology. Otherwise, the imposition of a ban on his movie Thug Life becomes inevitable.”
Explaining the need for a possible ban, the minister added, “If Kamal Haasan remains unapologetic despite knowing that his remarks hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, it will only unite Kannadigas in demanding a ban on the film. If the situation warrants, we will initiate steps to impose the ban.”
Recalling a previous incident, the minister said, “Even renowned singer Sonu Nigam apologised after his comments hurt Kannadigas. If we adopt a lenient approach, others might also feel emboldened to speak against Kannada, which cannot be tolerated.”
In Mandya, Congress MLA Ravikumar reiterated his call for a ban and criticized actor Shivaraj Kumar for defending Kamal Haasan. “If you have such a deep friendship with Kamal Haasan, then take him home and offer him dinner,” the MLA said, adding, “Shivaraj Kumar shielding Kamal Haasan is an insult to Kannadigas.”
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda urged the Film Chamber to issue an order banning Thug Life, warning that if the chamber fails to act, the state government would initiate steps to ban the film. “The Film Chamber should not delay in issuing a ban on Thug Life,” said the MLA, who represents the Mandya Assembly constituency.
The controversy erupted after Kamal Haasan recently remarked at an event that the Kannada language originated from Tamil, sparking widespread outrage in Karnataka. Following protests, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce demanded an apology from the actor and set Friday as the deadline.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Minister Tangadagi said, “Let’s wait for the actor to tender an apology. Otherwise, the imposition of a ban on his movie Thug Life becomes inevitable.”
Explaining the need for a possible ban, the minister added, “If Kamal Haasan remains unapologetic despite knowing that his remarks hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, it will only unite Kannadigas in demanding a ban on the film. If the situation warrants, we will initiate steps to impose the ban.”
Recalling a previous incident, the minister said, “Even renowned singer Sonu Nigam apologised after his comments hurt Kannadigas. If we adopt a lenient approach, others might also feel emboldened to speak against Kannada, which cannot be tolerated.”
In Mandya, Congress MLA Ravikumar reiterated his call for a ban and criticized actor Shivaraj Kumar for defending Kamal Haasan. “If you have such a deep friendship with Kamal Haasan, then take him home and offer him dinner,” the MLA said, adding, “Shivaraj Kumar shielding Kamal Haasan is an insult to Kannadigas.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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