'Thug Life' Film Won't Release In Karnataka For Now As Kamal Haasan Refuses To Apologise Before High Court For Tamil-Kannada Remark

Actor Kamal Haasan agreed to stall the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka, after a row erupted over his remarks allegedly undermining the sentiments of the Kannada community.

While stating before the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday (June 3) that he had "no malice", the actor refused to apologise for the statement and proposed to have a dialogue with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, the film slated to hit the theatres on June 05, won't be released in the State.

The case stems from a statement made by Haasan during the audio release of Thug Life. Haasan stated that Kannada Language was born out of Tamil Language. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had thereafter resolved to restrain the exhibition of the film in the State.

In the hearing prior to the lunch, Justice M Nagaprasanna had orally advised Haasan to issue an apology for the remarks as it hurt the sentiments of the people of Karnataka.

After hearing the parties post lunch, the Court issued notice on the plea moved by the producers of the film and noted,

"The petitioner at present is not for now willing to screen movie in Karnataka unless he would encourage a dialogue with Film Chamber of commerce. In that light that learned senior counsel submits that matter be adjourned. The learned senior counsel would add that KFCC had demanded apology, the letter that is quoted is in response to the demand in response to apology but the word apology is not found in it. On all these factors that and on statement of counsel that screening would not be made in Karnataka till dialogue happens. In that light the hearing is adjourned to June 10 at 3.30 pm".

No Malice in Haasan's remark

During the hearing senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa submitted a letter written by Haasan to KFCC and argued, "I want to make two statements. One is to say I apologise and other is to explain everything and express love for Karnataka and its language. There was no malice to the language as can be seen.We cannot look at things so differently that a statement made inviting superstar of Kannada cinema. A public figure has said his love for Kannada language is absolute".

The court however orally remarked, "One sentence (of apology) is missing" from the statement furnished before KFCC. 

To this Chinnappa said that the "compulsion" to apologize  should not be there. He added that an apology is required only if there is malice, which was not the case here.

The court at this juncture orally remarked that the actor was sticking on to the ego not apologizing,

"This is where you are sticking on to the ego not apologizing... It may be Kamala Hassan or anyone...it is the sentiments of the masses of the state that has been undermined is what the problem has arisen about...You should understand magnitude of the problem. It can lead to something else. Your statement can stop everything else. It is at that cross roads.If your intention is this (Letter to chamber) why not end it with...It is an explanation for a clarification". 

Chinnappa said that it was not a clarification or a justification but, a declaration of a stand. He said there was no intention to denigrate a language.

Wont release 'Thug Life' in Karnataka till discussion takes place

Chinnappa thereafter informed the Court that, "He (Kamala Hassan) said 'Art can wait and he says release can wait in Karnataka'.

The counsel submitted that the production has decided to not release the film in Karnataka for now. "We will have a dialogue with KFCC. If they are willing to discuss it, we will discuss. Whatever is written in the letter is sincere. I'm not asking for police protection for today. My lord may adjourn the matter for a week," he submitted.

At this stage the court while addressing the counsel for all the parties including KFCC said:

"I will adjourned the matter since they are not seeking police protection now. In between you can have a dialogue, or a tri-logue".

The plea filed by claims that action of KFCC infringes on the petitioner's rights guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution of India. 

Prior to the lunch hour, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, contended that Haasan's statement is being perceived in a different context. It was further submitted that the statement was made while inviting a Kannada superstar present at the event.

The Court however, upon reading the reply filed by Haasan, had remarked that it lacked any form of apology. It orally said, “There is no apology in it. 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 statements. What has happened because of it is unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection”.

The bench further reprimanded the renowned actor, observing that the actor lacked any expertise to make such a statement since he was neither a historian nor a linguist.

Chinnappa tried to highlight the importance of the movie, contending that it was the second collaboration between Actor Kamal Haasan and Director Mani Ratnam since their 1987 film 'Nayakan'. The bench, acknowledging the artistic significance of the film, emphasized that artistic expression could not override public sentiment.

Highlighting the emotional attachment that people have to their culture and language, the bench stated that the fundamental rights cannot be used to hurt the sentiments of the masses. The bench also acknowledged the greater responsibility upon Haasan to not make such statements, as he is a prominent actor and a well-known public figure.