Kamal Haasan Thanks Tamil Nadu Amid Kannada Row, Defends Stance Ahead Of 'Thug Life' Release

Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan has expressed his heartfelt thanks to Tamil Nadu and its people for their unwavering support during the ongoing Kannada controversy.

Speaking at a press conference in Chennai on Wednesday-just hours before the release of his film 'Thug Life' on 5 June-Haasan addressed the backlash sparked by his comment that "Kannada was born out of Tamil," made during the film's audio launch in Chennai on 24 May.

Photo Credit: PTI

The remark led to a huge uproar in Karnataka, culminating in the film being banned in the state.

Addressing those gathered in Chennai, Haasan stated, "I should thank Tamil Nadu for supporting and standing by me. I completely understand the meaning of the phrase - 'Uyire', 'Urave', 'Tamizhe' - and I stand by it," referencing the ongoing language dispute.

During the press event, he noted that there were other pressing matters to be discussed but added, "But, this is not the stage for it. It is my duty to talk about those issues in a separate meet, and I will organise it."

His comment follows a directive from the Karnataka High Court urging him to apologise for a statement that allegedly offended Kannada sentiments.

Although Haasan submitted a letter to the President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce explaining the intention behind his comment, he did not offer an apology.

This letter was presented to the court, where the presiding judge noted that "one line was missing," referring to the absence of an apology. Standing firm, Haasan said, "Art can wait, release can also wait."

In addition to playing a leading role in 'Thug Life', Kamal Haasan also served as the film's producer. As such, he made the decision not to release the Mani Ratnam-directed film in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has voiced its support for the pro-Kannada groups demonstrating against the actor.

Protesters burned effigies of Haasan and vandalised posters of 'Thug Life' in acts of protest.

Thug Life is set for theatrical release on 5 June.