Kamal Haasan Starrer, 'Thug Life', Faces BIG Trouble, Pro Kannada Group Is Against Its Screening

Mani Ratnam’s upcoming movie, Thug Life, has been facing many troubles for some time now. Since its trailer launch on May 17, 2025, the lead actor of Thug Life, Kamal Haasan has found himself in a sea of controversies. From romancing young actresses with a huge gap to ‘Kannada born out of Tamil’ remark, the actor is going through a lot of criticism. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada group led by Praveen Shetty, had previously lodged a police complaint against Kamal and is now totally against the screening of Thug Life in Karnataka.

Pro-Kannada organisation, KRV stages protests and warns theatre owners in Karnataka against screening Thug Life

For the unversed, Kamal Haasan starrer, Thug Life is set to release in theatres on June 5, 2025. On June 1, 2025, the members of KRV staged a protest outside Victory Cinema, a movie theatre in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya. The protest was against the screening of the upcoming film, Thug Life in Karnataka. KRV demands a statewide ban on Kamal Haasan’s film because of the controversial remark of the actor. Members of the group also warned the theatre owners against the screening of the film. Speaking to ANI, the head of KRV, Praveen Shetty said:

"Kamal Haasan has disrespected Kannada. We’ve informed the management of Victory Cinema that this film cannot be allowed to release here. If Thug Life is screened in Karnataka, the state government must be prepared to take responsibility for any fallout."

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) earlier announced a ban on Thug Life in Karnataka

According to a report by Mint, on May 30, 2025, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film, Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan in Karnataka. The decision of banning the upcoming film, was taken after the 70-year-old actor refused to apologise for the Kannada-Tamil remark. KFCC also supported KRV and other Kannada organisations who are against the release of Thug Life.

Why did KRV and KFCC announce a ban on Kamal Haasan starrer, Thug Life?

The reason behind announcing a ban on Mani Ratnam's upcoming movie, Thug Life, was due to a controversial comment made by Kamal Haasan during an audio launch event in Karnataka, on May 25, 2025. During the event, the actor was accompanied by Kannada actor, Shiva Rajkumar. Addressing the Kannada actor, the former said that he is his family living in another state. Then Kamal went on to say, "Kannada was born out of Tamil". This remark didn't go well with the pro-Kannada group, and they announced a ban on Kamal Haasan's Thug Life.

Kamal Haasan refused to apologise and said the remark was made out of love

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Kamal Haasan refused to apologise as he thinks that the comment he made was simply out of love. The Tamil actor also explained the language history. Breaking his silence on the ongoing tensions in Karnataka, Kamal said:

"I think what I said was said with a lot of love. Historians have taught me the language history...I didn't mean anything. And let me tell you, Tamil Nadu is a place which has been open. Let's leave all these very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts. Love will never apologise."

As per a report by The News Minute, on May 30, 2025, after KFCC announced the ban on Thug Life, speaking to reporters in Chennai, Kamal said that he had no intentions to hurt the Kannada people and also has huge respect for Karnataka. The actor also mentioned that he is not ready to apologise as he thinks that committed any wrong. He also said that earlier, he had faced many threats, but he still believes in law and justice. Sharing his views on the ongoing controversy, Kamal said:

"I will apologise if I am wrong. If I am not wrong, I won’t apologise. It’s my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with that. I have been threatened before. This is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice."

What are your thoughts on the announcement of a ban on Kamal Haasan's film, Thug Life in Karnataka? Let us know.

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