‘All Kamal Haasan movies to be banned in Karnataka’, says minister after actor refuses to apologise on Kannada comment row

Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi on Friday made it clear that actor Kamal Haasan’s movies will likely be “banned” within the state, as determined by the Karnataka Movie Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), if he doesn’t apologise for his remarks concerning the Kannada language.

In the meantime, KFCC president M Narasimhalu stated exhibitors and distributors themselves have voluntarily determined to not display his film if he does not apologise.

The Thug Life row

KFCC on Thursday stated that it’ll not enable the discharge of Haasan’s movie Thug Life in Karnataka except he points a public apology by Could 30 for his controversial remarks concerning the Kannada language.

Actor-politician Haasan’s current assertion claiming that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” throughout a promotional occasion for his upcoming movie has sparked widespread outrage amongst pro-Kannada teams and cultural organisations.

“I have written a letter, After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet yesterday saying that if he doesn’t apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture,” Tangadagi stated.

Talking to reporters in Bengaluru, he stated that no matter how massive the particular person is, who has spoken in opposition to — Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka’s land and water — it won’t be tolerated. Haasan has to apologise, if not as determined by the movie chamber of commerce, his movies will likely be banned.

“We will not allow it, if he doesn’t apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn’t apologise, we will take our decision,” he added.

Requested if his movies will likely be banned in case an apology does not come, Tangadagi responded, “Yes”.

Responding to a query on actor Shivarajkumar’s response to the controversy, the minister stated he has requested the Kannada star to speak about it with Haasan.

“I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage yesterday. Dr Rajkumar (Shivrajkumar’s father and Kannada thespian) and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaiga’s have also nurtured them. As a senior actor you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it. Let Shivarajkumar or another senior actor speak to him,” he stated.

Additional pointing at an issue involving singer Sonu Nigam on Kannada problem, he stated if actors from different languages come and discuss Kannada, ought to we tolerate it? “It cannot be tolerated. I support the stand taken by the film chamber of commerce. The government is with them on this matter.”

To a query on reported statements by some actors in opposition to the transfer to impede Haasan’s film, Tangadagi requested, “…should we keep hearing such comments about Kannada? We want to see Kamal Haasan as an actor, but not as an actor limited to one language, because he has acted in all languages. Respecting actors is our duty, but when it comes to language, whoever it is– language is first, rest all later. So there is no question of compromise.”

Talking to reporters individually, Narasimhalu stated if Haasan does not apologise, exhibitors and distributors have determined to not go in opposition to Kannadigas. “The industry is with Kannada organisations and the people.”

Kannada organisations have expressed anger over his assertion. There may be demand that his motion pictures shouldn’t be launched right here. “Political leaders have also condemned his statement– whether those in the government or those from the opposition. We are not taking any action legally, but the exhibitors and distributors themselves are saying that they will not screen the movie and will screen other films. They have taken the decision by themselves. We are not saying don’t release or ban,” he stated.

Stating that KFCC is in contact with the South Indian Movie Chamber of Commerce, and its president Ravi Kottarakara is in contact with Haasan, Narasimhalu stated the actor could also be adamant on not apologising resulting from political causes, however hope that there’s a readability in a single or two days.

“During such incidents, star actors in the past have apologised, such things have happened, nothing new,” he added.

Kamal Haasan refuses to apologise

In the meantime, in Chennai, Haasan, but once more, declined to apologise and stated he believed in regulation and justice and his love for Karnataka was true.

He claimed that the alleged warning by pro-Kannada teams threatening to boycott his movie if doesn’t apologise for his comment, was not new and that he had been threatened prior to now.