Citing that both the industries have been working harmoniously for several years, the letter further warned of potential repercussions that could affect both the Tamil and Kannada film industries.
Published Jun 05, 2025 | 6:17 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 05, 2025 | 6:17 PM
Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life'. (X)
In response to the Karnataka government’s reported restrictions on the release of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life, the Tamil Nadu Active Producers Association has written to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, urging them to facilitate a smooth release of the film in Karnataka.
Citing that both the industries have been working harmoniously for several years, with Kannada actors like Shivarajkumar, Sudeep, Upendra, and Duniya Vijay, working in Tamil industry, and Tamil filmmakers and producers working in the Kannada industry, the letter further warned of potential repercussions that could affect both the Tamil and Kannada film industries.
“Any unilateral act or decision by you that will affect the harmony existing between the two film industries must be avoided by Film Chamber and in this regard, we appeal to you to withdraw the ban on the film Thug Life’and allow it to release in Karnataka from 5 June 2025,” the letter read.
The letter further referring to the issue, noted, “While each language has its own history, uniqueness, culture and tradition, Kamal Haasan’s comment during the pre-release event of the film at Bengaluru was more out of love for Kannada language and not to reduce the importance or value of Kannada language in the hearts of millions of people, who speak that language.”
“Kamal Haasan has made immense contribution to Kannada cinema industry too with films like Kokila, Pushpaka Vimana and several other films and he is highly respected by filmmakers and directors there,” he added.
Quoting Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, the letter recalled DK Shivakumar’s statements: “We all are neighbours, we all have to work together, live together. Our water goes to Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu people come here. We are not enemies. We all are friends”.
The producers association also quoted International Booker Prize winner for Kannada, Banu Mushtaq’s statements, who said, “People have misunderstood Kannada and Kannadigas – there is no other language in the world as tolerant as Kannada. Kannada is a vibrant language of plurality and harmony with a strong fraternal relationship with other Dravidian languages.”
Requesting support and cooperation for the release of Thug Life in Karnataka without any hindrance, they stated that Kamal Haasan spoke on the fraternal relationship that exists between Tamil and Kannada languages. “He also issued a clarification also in this regard today in a letter addressed to you,” the letter read.
Reiterating that stopping or postponement of the release of Thug Life in Karnataka will permanently damage the harmonious relationship that exists between the two film industries, the association said it may lead to consequences, which will affect both the film industries in the coming years.
“Being neighbours, we both are inter-dependent on each other and have to live and work together. Hence, we once again appeal to you to allow the smooth release of the film and display your tolerance and magnanimity in this situation, which will go a long way for the better future of both the film industries,” the letter further read.
In an audio launch event of Thug Life, Kamal Haasan said, “Kannada is born out of Tamil.”
He started his speech saying, “Uyire Urave Tamizhe (My life and my family are Tamil).” Later, referring to Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, who was on the stage, Haasan said, “You are my family, residing in Karnataka, and hence, you came all the way here. When I started the speech, I said that my life and my family are Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, and hence you are part of it.”
Following this, the actor and his film has faced backlash in Karnataka, especially from the pro-Kannada organisations. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has given a stern warning to the owners of movie theatres and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce not to screen Thug Life film until the actor issues an apology. The KFCC has also said that it would not allow the release of the film.
The petition filed read that the statements made by Kamal Haasan were selectively quoted by certain groups and individuals.
