Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi: Kamal Haasan's films face a ban if he fails to apologise

On Friday, Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi declared that actor Kamal Haasan faces a statewide ban on his films unless he apologises for his recent comments about Kannada. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has already decided to implement the ban.

"We will not tolerate any slight against Kannada, Kannadigas, or Karnataka's land and water," Shivaraj told reporters. "Kamal Haasan must apologise, or his films will face a ban, as the film chamber of commerce has decided."

The minister praised the KFCC's swift action, stating, "I compliment the film chamber of commerce for their good decision to ban his film if he doesn't apologise in two days." When asked whether a lack of apology would indeed lead to a ban, Shivaraj simply replied, "Yes."

The KFCC already issued a statement on Thursday, demanding a public apology from Kamal Haasan by May 30. They warned they would prevent the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka if he failed to meet the deadline.

The controversy stems from a recent promotional event for 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.

Shivaraj also revealed he spoke to Shivarajkumar, urging him to mediate with Kamal. "Dr Rajkumar and his family have contributed significantly to the Kannada cause, and Kannadigas have nurtured them in return," Shivaraj explained, referring to Shivarajkumar's legendary actor father. "As a senior actor, you (Shivarajkumar) should make him (Kamal) understand. We cannot tolerate this." He suggested that Shivarajkumar or another senior actor should speak to Kamal.

Meanwhile, M Narasimhalu, president at KFCC, stated that distributors and exhibitors have decided against screening Thug Life if Kamal fails to apologise.