'Thug Life' controversy: Kamal Haasan's Kannada remark sparks protest, posters torn and defaced in Karnataka

Mani Ratnam’s upcoming movie Thug Life featuring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan continue to make headlines but for all the wrong reasons. The movie has stirred a controversy with a claim by the lead star, 'Vinveli Nayagan' Kamal Haasan.

During the Thug Life audio launch, Kamal Haasan claimed that “Kannada was born out of Tamil", and this did not go down well with people in Karnataka. His remark has irked many in Karnataka, with influential personalities like Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra and others criticising him over the statement.

"Poor Kamal Haasan is unaware of Kannada's history," said Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah slamming his remark. Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra accused Haasan of "disrespecting" Kannada in his effort to glorify his own mother tongue. He also demanded that the actor issues an unconditional apology to Kannadigas.

On the other hand, members of pro-Kannada organisations have begun tearing down posters of the film across the state and are staging protests against Kamal Haasan. The boycott calls are gaining momentum, with Kannada Rakshana Vedike members urging authorities to ban Thug Life in Karnataka.

Visuals of members of pro-Kannada organisations tearing down and defacing the Thug Life posters went viral on social media.

However, insiders said that a response from Thug Life makers and Kamal Haasan is likely soon, as they are closely monitoring the situation and aiming to prevent any further damage.

Produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies, R. Mahendran, and Siva Ananth, Thug Life boasts an ensemble cast of stellar performers. Kamal Haasan leads the film as Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, alongside Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf, among others.

Thug Life is all set for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2025.