Thug Life: Pro-Kannada group warns Bengaluru theatres against screening Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ |
Tensions flared in Bengaluru on Sunday as members of the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a protest outside Victory Cinema in Kamakshipalya. The demonstration was aimed at halting the screening of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life,’ following a controversial statement made by the actor. During an event in Chennai, Kamal Haasan reportedly remarked that “Kannada was born from Tamil,” a claim that triggered widespread backlash among Kannada supporters.Group threatens theatre owners, KFCC respondsPraveen Shetty, the president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, led the protest and issued a stern warning to theatre owners. He alleged that Kamal Haasan had insulted the Kannada language and called for the film to be blocked across Karnataka. Speaking to ANI, Shetty said that if ‘Thug Life’ is screened, the state government must be prepared to take responsibility for any fallout. Shortly after the protest, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a statewide ban on the film’s release.CM Siddaramaiah and Kamal Haasan respondThe controversy deepened midweek when Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to Kamal Haasan’s remarks. Dismissing the actor’s statement as ignorant, the CM said, “Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.” The issue escalated further when Kamal Haasan, addressing the uproar at a separate event, refused to offer an apology. He maintained his position by saying, “Love will never apologise. I will apologise only if I am wrong. This is my lifestyle. Please don’t tamper with it.”Ban threat intensifies amid KFCC supportIn the latest development, Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi echoed calls for a ban on Kamal Haasan’s films unless the actor issues a public apology. Supporting this sentiment, KFCC President M Narasimhalu stated that the decision to withhold screenings of ‘Thug Life’ was taken independently by theatre owners and distributors. As tensions simmer, the film’s release in Karnataka remains uncertain.
