Kamal Haasan says his words were "misunderstood", not intended to "diminish Kannada" after KFCC's ban on Thug Life

Kamal Haasan's remarks on the Kannada language has refused to die down and continues to spark controversy across the state with several politicians and film associations threatening to ban his upcoming film Thug Life if he doesn't apologise. With the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce stalling the film's release in the state, Kamal Haasan has issued a letter clarifying that his words have been "misunderstood" and "taken out of context".

In his two-page letter addressed to KFCC President Narasimhulu, who insisted on his apology, the actor said that he never intended to "diminish Kannada in any way" and only wanted to convey that everyone is from one family. He emphasised that his love for Kannada and Kannadigas is genuine and "there is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language."

"My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam — and all languages of this land — is abiding and heartfelt. I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of the Union of India," he further added, underlining that he speaks the language of Cinema that "knows only love and bonding."

Kamal Haasan also expressed regret that actor Shivarajkumar had to go through embarassment that stemmed from this issue. He concluded his statement by hoping that the misunderstanding is temporary, his words are received in the spirit they were intended and his "enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognised in its true light." The actor had reiterated the same a few days prior to this noting that he merely said it out of love and that 'love won't apologise', suggesting that such a remark does not require an apology.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka High Court slammed the actor for his remarks and questioned his refusal to state an apology. The remarks came while hearing a petition filed by him seeking directions to ensure the release and screening of his upcoming film Thug Life in the state.

“You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses. The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement. What has happened because of it? Unrest, disharmony," the Judge pointed out probing the need for making such a statement. "Are you a historian, a linguist?" he asked.

The row over Kamal Haasan's statement arose during the audio launch of Thug Life where Kamal claimed that "Kannada was born out of Tamil." This statement ignited furious reactions from cultural organisations and pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka. Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi and KFCC unequivocally stated that his film will not be released in the state unless the actor issues a formal apology. The actor's effigies were burnt in protest of his statement in many parts of Karnataka.

Meanwhile, bookings have opened for the film's release on June 5 across the world, which reunites Kamal with his Nayakan director after 38 years. Featuring music by AR Rahman, the film also stars Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Abhirami, Nasser, Ashok Selvan, and Aishwarya Lekshmi among others in prominent roles.