The Karnataka High Court has severely reprimanded renowned South Indian superstar Kamal Haasan for his controversial remarks on the Kannada language. The court explicitly stated, "You may be Kamal Haasan, but that doesn't entitle you to hurt anyone's sentiments."
Kannada Row: South Indian actor Kamal Haasan is once again embroiled in controversy. This time, the controversy stems from his contentious statement regarding the Kannada language, leading to a b rebuke from the Karnataka High Court. During the promotion of his upcoming film, 'Thoongaa Vanam', he claimed that the Kannada language originated from Tamil.
This statement sparked widespread anger and protests in Karnataka. Following the escalating controversy, the Karnataka High Court advised Haasan that while expressing his views, he cannot hurt anyone's sentiments.
The Core of the Controversy – Kamal Haasan's Statement
During the recent promotion of his film 'Thoongaa Vanam', Kamal Haasan made a statement that offended the people of Karnataka. He asserted that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. This statement was perceived as an insult to Kannada language and culture in Karnataka. Several social, political, and cultural organizations in Karnataka bly condemned the statement and demanded an apology from Kamal Haasan.
The Karnataka High Court's Stern Stance
When the matter reached the Karnataka High Court, Justice M. Nagaprasanna criticized Kamal Haasan, stating, "Even if you are Kamal Haasan, you do not have the right to hurt anyone's feelings. Water, land, and language are all intrinsically linked to the identity of any citizen."
Hurting these is inappropriate. The partition of the country also occurred on linguistic lines; therefore, sensitivity regarding language is crucial. The court deemed Haasan's statement not only insensitive but also divisive.
The judge sternly questioned whether Haasan possessed any historical or linguistic evidence to support his claim, asking, "Is he a historian or a linguist?" Making such contentious statements without evidence is inappropriate. The court also noted that if Haasan had apologized, the matter could have been resolved.
Petition Regarding Film Release and the Court's Response
Kamal Haasan sought the court's intervention to ensure the release and screening of his film 'Thoongaa Vanam' in Karnataka. His lawyer argued that Haasan's statement was unintentional and not intended to hurt anyone's feelings. However, the Karnataka High Court dismissed this argument. The court clarified that freedom of expression does not imply the right to hurt anyone's sentiments.
The court questioned why his film should be released in Karnataka if Haasan refuses to apologize, asking, "Has he only come for monetary gain?" The court explicitly stated that this case is not merely about profit but about sensitivity and social harmony.
Social and Political Opposition
Following Haasan's statement, pro-Kannada organizations and various political parties in Karnataka intensified their protests. Several political leaders termed it an attack on Kannada language, culture, and identity. These groups demanded that his film 'Thoongaa Vanam' not be released in the state until Haasan publicly apologizes.
Kannada language-loving organizations have also taken the matter seriously and appealed to the state government to take strict action. They believe such statements not only hurt the dignity of the Kannada language but can also create divisions in society.
The Karnataka High Court has scheduled the next hearing for this case on June 10, 2025. Until then, it is likely that Kamal Haasan's film 'Thoongaa Vanam' will not be released in the state. The final decision on the film's release will be made only after the court's verdict on this matter.
