Court Urges Kamal Haasan to Apologize Over Controversial Language Remarks Amid Film Ban Row

During a hearing at the Karnataka High Court, the judges advised actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan to apologize for remarks perceived as offensive to Kannadigas, stating that doing so could potentially resolve the issue surrounding the ban of his film Taklife in Karnataka.

Kamal Haasan had filed a petition challenging the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce’s decision to block the screening of Taklife in the state. In his plea, he requested that the Karnataka government, the police, and the Chamber of Commerce be restrained from interfering with the film’s release.

While hearing the petition, the bench questioned Haasan’s qualifications in making historical or linguistic claims, particularly regarding his statement suggesting that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. The court remarked, “What kind of linguist or historian are you to make such statements? You have hurt the sentiments of crores of people.” The judges emphasized that an apology could help bring closure to the controversy, and also noted that Haasan appeared to be pursuing the matter with commercial interests in mind.

The court indicated that a significant order related to the petition would be issued later in the day. The developments have sparked widespread attention and debate.