Kamal Haasan says he won't apologise for contentious comment about Kannada

There has been constant pressure from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on Kamal Haasan to issue a public apology on his recent remark about Tamil being the source of Kannada as a language. The actor has clarified that he made the comment out of love for Shivarajkumar and said that 'love won't apologise', suggesting that such a remark does not require an apology. The actor reiterated his stance the other day, despite the KFCC's pressure and threats of a ban on his upcoming film Thug Life in Kannada.

Addressing the controversy, Kamal Haasan told reporters in Chennai, "I apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won’t apologise. It’s my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with that.”

On the threats of a ban on the film in Karnataka, Kamal said that such a situation is not new to him. "I have been threatened before. This is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra and Kerala is true. Those who suspect it are the ones with an agenda." The statement comes shortly after Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan praised Kamal's qualities as an artist and a statesman and emphasised that the actor "is in the heart of every Malayali".

Thug Life reunites Kamal Haasan with his Nayakan director Mani Ratnam after 38 years. The film also stars Silambarasan TR, Abhirami, Nasser, Ashok Selvan, Trisha, and Joju George, among others. Featuring music from AR Rahman, the film is slated for a June 05 release.