The controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan and his "Kannada is born out of Tamil" comment refuses to die down. Instead, amid threats that his upcoming film Thug Life would be banned in Karnataka, the actor has now moved Karnataka High Court to secure the film's release in the state.
Haasan reportedly approached the High Court after pro-Kannada organisations threatened that they won't allow Thug Life to release in the state if the actor did not apologise for his remark.
He urged the court to ensure that his film released smoothly in the state.
"This is not about the industry, this is about the state. Even political parties are opposing, pro-Kannada organisations are making it clear that he has to respond. The movie's release is difficult without his apology. Our exhibitors or distributors are not ready to screen it. How can the movie release here?" Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president M Narasimhalu said.
However, Haasan has made it clear that he would not apologise for the remark as he it was a statement said out of love. "I will not apologise for something I said out of love. It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda," he averred.
Amid the massive backlash, even Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the Kannada language has a long history which Haasan is not aware of.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in Karnataka against Haasan, and in several cities, including Bengaluru, posters of Thug Life were torn down, as a mark of dissent.
Thug Life is set to release in theatres across India on June 5.
