The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has declared that Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ will not be released in Karnataka unless he apologizes for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language.

BENGALURU: Sending a strong message to actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan for his alleged provocative remarks on Kannada language, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) Thursday said it would not allow the release of the star’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka unless he apologises to the people of the state.A day after Kannada and culture minister Shivaraj Tangadagi wrote to KFCC, seeking a ban on Kamal’s films, office-bearers of the chamber held a meeting with all stakeholders, including the distributor of his upcoming film here.“The minister and several pro-Kannada groups demanded a ban on Kamal Haasan’s movie. The chamber has decided that the actor must apologise. We are reaching out to him to make him apologise,” said M Narasimhalu, the president of KFCC, adding that Venkatesh, who has the distribution rights for ‘Thug Life’, was also summoned for Thursday’s meeting.Sa Ra Govindu, former president of KFCC, said: “As a Kannadiga, I strongly condemn Kamal Haasan’s statement. The actor’s production team have assured us a reply from the actor.”Meanwhile, minister Tangadagi, who met Kannada star and film producer Shivaraj Kumar at a private function, appealed to him to take a tough stand on Kamal’s remark. “You are like a big brother for the entire Kannada film industry. We cannot remain quiet when somebody speaks lightly about our language. You should take a tough stand and raise your voice against Kamal Haasan’s comment,” he reportedly urged Kumar.