The Karnataka High Court addressed a petition by ‘Thug Life’ producers seeking protection against a ban spurred by Kamal Haasan’s remark about Kannada’s origin.

BENGALURU: The Karnataka high court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing by a week on a petition filed by Raajkamal Films International, Chennai, the producers of the film ‘Thug Life’ starring Kamal Haasan. This was after the court was informed that Kamal Haasan sent a recent communication to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce today, and a decision was also made that the said film will not be released in Karnataka until a dialogue with the KFCC resolves the issue.Considering the same, Justice M Nagaprasanna has now posted the matter to June 10 for further consideration while ordering notice to both the state govt as well as the central govt and the CBFC. Before adjourning, the judge pointed out that even the latest communication does not contain any apology from the actor.It may be recalled that the producers of the film moved the high court on Monday following a press statement by KFCC that the film will not be allowed to be screened in Karnataka unless the actor tenders an apology over his controversial remarks that the Kannada language originated from the Tamil language. The film is scheduled for worldwide release on June 5.The court posed some serious questions to actor Kamal Haasan regarding his controversial remarks that the Kannada language originated from the Tamil language.The actor, through Raajkamal Films International, Chennai, the producers of the film “Thug Life,” filed a petition challenging the ban imposed by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and also sought police protection for the release and exhibition of the film.Justice M Nagaprasanna pointed out that in 1950, C Rajagopalachari made a similar statement but apologised for it and questioned why Kamal Haasan couldn’t do the same. “You (Kamal Haasan) have no right to hurt the sentiments. In this country, Jala (water), Nela (land), and Bhashe (language) are dear to people. What did the people of Karnataka ask for? An apology? There is no apology or an explanation. It is all a circumstance created by Kamal Haasan,” the judge told the counsel for the petitioner.

“Are you a historian, a linguist? On what basis did you speak? If Rajagopalachari could tender a public apology 75 years ago, why can’t you (Kamal Haasan)? For your commercial interest, you have approached this court seeking police protection for a situation created by you,” the judge further added.“Language is a sentiment attached to the land of people. Kannada is a strong language and doesn’t wither by such statements. Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments,” Justice Nagaprasanna further observed while adjourning the hearing to the post-lunch session as both the govt advocate and the counsel for the petitioner sought time to seek instructions.Even super star Rajnikanth had apologized for his remarks regarding Cauvery water during the release of film Kaala, the judge further pointed out.Earlier, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that neither KFCC nor the state govt can ban a film for which clearance has been given by CBFC. He further added that there was no intention on the part of the actor to deride the Kannada language. “Thug Life has become Thuggy,” he quipped, explaining the entire situation.