“Are You A Historian? Or A Linguist?” Karnataka HC Slams Kamal Haasan Over Kannada Remark, Urges Apology

The Karnataka High Court strongly criticised actor Kamal Haasan on Monday (2 June) while hearing his petition seeking protection for the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in the state, amid the controversy over his remarks on language, India Today reported.

The controversy stems from Haasan’s recent statement claiming, “Kannada was born out of Tamil”, which triggered widespread backlash. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has prohibited the screening of the Mani Ratnam-directed film across the state.

Justice M Nagaprasanna sharply criticised Haasan for refusing to apologise, saying the remark had hurt the sentiments of people in Karnataka. “No citizen has the right to hurt sentiments,” he said. “Water, land and language”: Jala, Nila, Bashe are important to citizens. The division of this country was on linguistic lines.”

Justice Nagaprasanna questioned Haasan's stance, asking, “Are you a historian? Or a linguist?” highlighting the actor’s refusal to apologise despite the public outrage his statement provoked.

Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Dhyan Chinappa contended that Haasan’s remark was not meant to offend. The judge, however, responded firmly: “(If you won’t apologise) Why do you want the film to run in Karnataka? Leave it. Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurting sentiments of a mass. You want to earn some crores from Karnataka also.”

The court further remarked, “Now you are here for a commercial interest, that police should protect for a situation created by you! One apology would have solved everything.” It added that Haasan could have issued a simple clarification such as, “I have made a statement without looking into the history.”