Kamal–Kannada Issue Nowhere Settling Down!

South Superstar Kamal Hassan’s recent remarks on the Kannada language have stirred up a controversy in the entire state of Karnataka.

It may be recalled that Kamal, during a promotion event of his upcoming movie ‘Thug Life’ in Chennai, said the Kannada language was born out of Tamil.

Not directly addressing Kamal’s remarks, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said there is a need to respect the Kannada language, and whoever insults the Kannada language on social media will have to face strict legal consequences.

Many pro-Kannada activists and cultural organisations in the State perceived Kamal’s remarks as historically inaccurate and hurtful to the people of Karnataka. The activists, including the Karnataka Film Chamber and Commerce (KFCC), demanded that the actor tender an apology to the people of Karnataka.

The issue further prompted Kannada activists to take action against the actor. They said they would stall the screening of his movie ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka if the actor fails to apologise.

Meanwhile, Kamal Hassan doesn’t want to yield to the demands of activists as he stands by his comment. The comment was made out of love, and that love never apologizes, he said. His intention was not to offend the Kannada people but to express a linguistic and cultural perspective, clarified the actor.

Kamal’s statement triggered state-wide protests. Several organisations staged protests against Hassan in several parts of Karnataka – Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, Bengaluru. The faction of Karntaka Rakshana Vedika has lodged a complaint against the actor at RT Nagar police station, alleging the remarks have triggered unrest between Tamils and Kannadigas.

So the question that piqued the fans is — Will Kamal tender an apology to Kannada people? Or would he just stand by his statement as the issue snowballs into a controversy?