Kamal Haasan Kannada controversy: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has found himself at the center of a growing controversy following his recent remarks suggesting that the Kannada language was “born out of Tamil.” The statement, made at the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, has triggered sharp backlash from pro-Kannada groups and political leaders in Karnataka.
Haasan, reflecting on his deep cultural bond with Tamil, opened his speech with the words, “Uyire Urave Tamizhe” (“My life and my family is Tamil”). Addressing Kannada actor Shivarajkumar on stage, Haasan remarked, “Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state… Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.”
While the intent may have been to express cultural unity, the comment has been perceived as dismissive by many in Karnataka. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent pro-Kannada organisation, swiftly condemned the statement. “Kamal Haasan said Tamil is better than Kannada. If he wants business in Karnataka, he should stop insulting Kannada,” said KRV leader Praveen Shetty in a video statement. “Your film promotions cannot come at the cost of our language and pride. We are prepared to protest, even ban your film.”
Shetty also accused Haasan of abruptly leaving Karnataka to avoid confrontation, warning of black-ink protests and threats of boycott if Haasan does not issue a public apology.
What BJP said in reaction to Kamal Haasan’s Kannada remark?
The issue has taken a political turn, with Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra calling Haasan’s remarks “the height of arrogance.” In a post on social media, he wrote, “Artists should embody the culture of respecting all languages. It is appalling that Kamal Haasan, who has worked in Kannada films, has now insulted the language.”
The controversy has grown online, with boycott calls and hashtags trending across Kannada social media. Theatre owners have reportedly received pressure not to screen Thug Life unless Haasan issues a clarification.
Linguists, meanwhile, point out that both Tamil and Kannada are part of the Dravidian language family, stemming from Proto-Dravidian roots. While related, they evolved as distinct branches with rich, independent histories.
As of now, Kamal Haasan has not responded publicly to the growing backlash.