Kamal Haasan on controversial Kannada language remark: I won’t apologise if I am not wrong

Kamal Haasan refused to apologise for his controversial Kannada language remark, which has received backlash from Kannada activists who have threatened to ban his movie ‘Thug Life’

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has said that he won’t apologise for his remark on the Kannada language that has sparked a controversy in Karnataka. The actor, while promoting his upcoming movie Thug Life, had said that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.”

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has demanded an apology from Kamal Haasan. Talking to reporters on May 30, 2025 (Friday) in Chennai, the National Award-winning actor said, “I apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won’t apologise. It’s my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with that.”

Kamal Haasan’s remark, made at the audio launch of the Mani Ratnam-directorial in Chennai, drew criticism from the people of Karnataka, with pro-Kannada outfits staging protests against the actor for “hurting the sentiment of Kannadigas.”

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The KFCC has threatened to ban the release of Thug Life in Karnataka if there is no apology from the actor. The movie is set to hit the screens on June 05, 2025. “I have been threatened before. This is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra and Kerala is true. Those who suspect it are the ones with an agenda.”