New Delhi: 

It was stated in court that the actor, for the moment, isn’t inclined to proceed with the film’s screening in Karnataka. “The petitioner at present is not for now willing to screen the movie in Karnataka unless he would encourage a dialogue with the Film Chamber of Commerce. In that light, that ld counsel submits that matter be adjourned,” the lawyer said. The matter has now been deferred until June 10.

The release of Kamal Haasan’s highly anticipated film Thug Life has been put on hold in Karnataka, as conveyed to the High Court by the actor’s legal representative. The move was seen as a response to the ongoing backlash over the Tamil superstar’s controversial statement suggesting that Kannada evolved from Tamil.

Kamal Haasan’s latest statement on ‘misunderstood’ comment

“It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch, spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr Rajkumar’s family, especially Shiva Rajkumar, has been misunderstood and taken out of context,” he wrote. The actor emphasised that there was no intent to belittle Kannada’s rich heritage, stating, “There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language.”

He further affirmed his admiration for Karnataka’s literary and cultural traditions, noting that “like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition.” Throughout his career, he added, affection had been consistently extended to him by the Kannada-speaking community.

The controversy erupted after a comment made by Kamal at the Thug Life audio launch event in Chennai was widely condemned by Kannada organisations and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). In a damage-control move, a letter had been penned by the actor to the KFCC, in which he clarified that his words were misconstrued and taken out of context.

The KFCC, meanwhile, has placed its next course of action on hold. “The matter is in court now. We will do what the court tells us to do,” said KFCC President M Narasimhalu. Kamal concluded his letter with a message of unity, writing, “Cinema must remain a bridge between people and not a wall that divides them.”

Kamal also expressed regret that the situation had caused discomfort to actor Shiva Rajkumar. “I really regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this,” he wrote, adding that their mutual respect would only strengthen over time.

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