Kamal Haasan refuses to apologise, His comment led to unrest: HC

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday said Kamal Haasan's statement on Kannada language stirred a hornet's nest and led to unrest in the state. While hearing a writ plea of the actor seeking protection for release of the film, 'Thug Life' in Karnataka, the court made the observation and adjourned hearing till June 10. The film was originally scheduled for release on June 5.There may be many languages, but the country is one, the high court said. The court said Kamal Haasan "might be a popular film star but that does not permit him to “hurt public sentiments”.
Refusing to apologise, actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday said his movie ‘Thug Life’ will not be released in Karnataka for now, a development that comes amid controversy over a remark he made on Kannada language during the promotion of his film last month. Kamal Hassan's production company informed Karnataka high court, saying that there was nothing to apologise for and his written statement addressed the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce's (KFCC) demand for apology.
Highlighting Haasan’s long-standing appreciation for Kannada culture, the counsel said, “One statement made at an audio launch has brought this result. Kamal has made it clear that his love for the language is sincere. We should appreciate that.” Justice Nagaprasanna responded by saying, “Apology is not a compulsion. It should have been the grace that he should have followed.” He added, “There are many ways of clarifying statements but only one way of stating apology.”

(State Correspondent)