Actor politician Kamal Haasan had moved the Karnataka High Court to lift the state wide ban of his Jun 5 release Thug Life, over a Tamil Vs Kannada language row. Justice M Nagaprasanna who heard the petition filed by Raaj Kamal Films International on June 3, 2025 has now asked Kamal Haasan to apologize for his remarks that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil'. 

Ripping apart the Tamil star until the next hearing at 2: 30 PM,  Justice M Nagaprasanna has stated orally, 

"There is no apology in it. You may be Kamala Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses. The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such statements. What has happened because of it is unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection.

 

On what basis have you made the statement, are you a historian, linguist. On what basis did you speak? After 75 years, a similar statement was made and then Shri Rajgopal had apologised. Now you are seeking protection for the release of your film. An apology would have done.

 

You know the importance of the film saying it is made by Mani Ratnam but you cannot make a statement (Apology). For your own creation you want police machinery to support now. Language is a sentiment attached to the people. You are not an ordinary man, you are a public figure. People writing on social media are also being investigated.

 

Now you want the film to be run in Karnataka, leave it. Fundamental right of speech and expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments of masses. You apologise, you want to earn from here.”

Karnataka Highcourt lashes out against #KamalHaasan for his wrongful statement.

Court asks him to Apologise to Kannadigas if his movies want to release in Karnataka.

Say sorry and put an end to this. #ThugLife #Kannada

Video credit : Karnataka Highcourt Channel YT pic.twitter.com/EnaZskn3zd

— 👑Che_Krishna🇮🇳💛❤️ (@CheKrishnaCk_) June 3, 2025

Kamal Haasan's 'letter of regret' to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which was submitted for High Court's review, and prompted the "There is no apology in it" from  Justice M Nagaprasanna read,  

"3/6/2025

 

Mr. Narasimhalu,

President,

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Bangalore.

 
Sir,

 
I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity.

 
It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch - spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family, especially Shiva Rajkumar - has been misunderstood and taken out of context. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way. There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language.

 
Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue.

 
My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam - and all languages of this land - is abiding and heartfelt. I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of the Union of India.

 
I know and speak the language of Cinema. Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also only to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us.

 
It is this love and bond that my seniors taught me which I wanted to share. It is out of this love and bond that Shivanna attended the audio launch event. I really regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this. But am sure our true love and respect for each other will always remain and get firmer now.

 
Cinema must remain a bridge between people - never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement and I never have been nor would ever want to give any room for public unrest and animosity.

 

I sincerely hope my words are received in the spirit they were intended, and that my enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognized in its true light. I earnestly believe that this misunderstanding is temporary and an opportunity to reiterate our mutual love and respect.

Yours truly,
Kamal Haasan"

 

It is worth mentioning here that after Kamal Haasan moved Karnataka High Court seeking to left the ban by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, KFCC's President M Narasimhalu told the press on June 2, 2025, 

“Let him go to court. None of our theatres will screen Thug Life, This is not just a film industry issue anymore, it’s become a state and language issue. We’ve received a letter from the government. Everyone, pro-Kannada organizations, politicians, and the people, is demanding an apology,” 

A poster in Chennai that reads, "Love shouldn't apologize".

Thug Life is a joint production venture of Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Meanwhile Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed for calm over Kamal Haasan’s statement remarking, “Let me look at the details. We’re all neighbours, not enemies. I urge everyone to remain calm and patient,”

[Update]

'#Thuglife' will not release in Karnataka! #KamalHaasan stands firm on his decision not to apologize, after the High Court denied relief in the Tamil Vs Kannada language row!#ThuglifeFromJune5 @RKFI @MadrasTalkies_https://t.co/6KQfQ6845S

— MovieCrow (@MovieCrow) June 3, 2025