Kamal Haasan Thanks TN People Fiercely After Kannada Controversy

Kamal Haasan thanks TN people — a phrase that now echoes louder than ever following the controversy stirred by his recent comments about the origins of the Kannada language. The iconic actor-politician made his first public appearance since the uproar, offering heartfelt gratitude to Tamil Nadu for standing by him as he faced criticism from Kannada groups and legal scrutiny from the Karnataka High Court.

During a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life, Haasan referred to Tamil as “Uyire, Urave, Tamizhe” (My life, my soul, my Tamil), sparking passionate applause from fans. The same event, however, became the epicenter of the controversy, as he mentioned that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”  a statement that triggered widespread protests in Karnataka and calls for an apology.

Kamal Haasan Thanks TN People and Reaffirms His Love for Cultural Unity

Despite the Karnataka High Court’s stern observation that his comments were offensive to Kannada speakers, Haasan chose not to issue a formal apology but instead shared a clarifying note. In his response, he emphasized that his words were taken out of context and rooted in affection towards the late Kannada superstar Dr. Rajkumar and his family.

He expressed his admiration for Kannada culture and literature, reiterating his long-standing bond with the people of Karnataka. His letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) was carefully worded, stressing his love for linguistic harmony and mutual respect between regional identities. Still, the KFCC demanded a formal apology and warned that Thug Life would not be released in Karnataka if Haasan didn’t comply.

Kamal’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, responded by stating that they would initiate a dialogue with KFCC. They also petitioned the Karnataka High Court for police protection ahead of the movie’s release, anticipating potential disruptions.

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In his public statement, Haasan stood his ground, thanking Tamil Nadu once again for “not just standing behind me, but standing with me.” His admiration for legendary director Mani Ratnam and the Thug Life team added a cinematic layer to an already emotional and political moment. He praised Ratnam as a “cinema gyani,” expressing excitement about their continued collaboration despite the controversy.

Kamal Haasan Thanks TN People While Emphasizing His Respect for All Languages

Haasan further clarified that his statement was not intended to provoke but to promote unity, a bond among languages and cultures. He explained that as an artist and speaker of the “language of cinema,” he often used metaphors and emotional expressions to connect with diverse audiences. The actor emphasized his opposition to the dominance of any one language and called for balance in India’s multilingual fabric.

His note ended on a hopeful tone, stating that the entire issue was a “temporary misunderstanding” and could serve as a “fresh opportunity to reiterate mutual love and respect.” While Karnataka’s political figures like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi remained critical, urging a ban on Haasan’s films without an apology, Kamal’s approach has been rooted in cultural diplomacy.

Conclusion:

Kamal Haasan thanks TN people with sincerity and emotion, standing at the intersection of cinema, culture, and politics. Despite facing backlash, he chose reflection over retraction, empathy over ego. Whether the controversy will impact Thug Life‘s success or not, one thing remains clear: Haasan’s connection with Tamil Nadu has only grown stronger, and his stand has sparked a deeper dialogue about language, unity, and artistic expression in India.