Bengaluru:

The court posted to June 10 the hearing on his plea seeking adequate security at theatres planning to screen it in the state amid a boycott call by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC).

Justice M Nagaprasanna, who presided over the hearing, said Haasan's statement had hurt the sentiments of the people of Karnataka and questioned the actor's refusal to offer an apology. He observed that a "single apology could have resolved the situation."

Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' will not be released in Karnataka on June 5, the scheduled date for the pan-India release of the much-anticipated movie, the veteran actor informed the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday after the court slammed him for his controversial remarks over the Kannada language.

"Language is an emotional and cultural identity of a people," he said and stressed that no individual has the right to make comments that undermine the pride of an entire linguistic community, the court observed. Justice Nagaprasanna remarked, "Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another. A single apology could have resolved the situation."

The judge noted that the producers of the movie have informed that they are not willing to screen the movie in Karnataka, unless there is a dialogue or a trialogue involving the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.

The remark, reportedly made by Haasan at a promotional event in Chennai for his upcoming Tamil film 'Thug Life', sparked a backlash in Karnataka, prompting the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to announce that the film would not be screened in the state unless Haasan apologised.

In response, Raajkamal Films International—the production company co-founded by Haasan—filed a plea before the High Court seeking protection for the film’s release.Earlier during the hearing today, the High Court observed that Haasan's statement "stirred a hornet's nest" and led to unrest in the state.

The movie, directed by Mani Ratnam, starring Hassan, Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR has been facing trouble in Karnataka after Hassan's "Kannada was born out of Tamil" remarks sparked anger among local groups. The film's release has been banned until the actor issues a public apology for his statement. Haasan made the remark at the audio release of his film in Chennai in the last week of May, stoking a controversy, triggering protests in the neighbouring state.

'24 Hours To Kamal Haasan To Apologise':

"We have given him 24 hours as one of our distributors also invested money in his movie from Karnataka; distributors contacted his team, his team has said that he's in Dubai; he will come tomorrow, then there will be a message from Kamal Hassan. We will wait for 24 hours; if he doesn't apologise, his movie will not be allowed to be released in any of the theatres in Karnataka. 100% without his apology movie can not be released," he added.

Narasimhulu, President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said on Monday, "As per the demand of pro-Kannada organisations and also the letter written by the Karnataka Government, we have also given 24 hours to Kamal Hassan to apologise for the statement which you made that hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas of Karnataka state."

Sa Ra Govindu, member of KFCC and pro-Kannada activist, said Kannadigas will accept his apology wholeheartedly. "It is a simple issue, and Kamal Haasan, being a senior respected actor, can close it by saying one simple sorry to Kannadigas. We are Kannadigas, are very helpful to him in his film career. And Kannadigas will accept his apology wholeheartedly, so we are waiting for him to come back from out of station.

Once he comes back, he can simply ask for an apology, and then a decision can be taken to release his movie. If not, it is impossible, as distributors in Karnataka have decided, and theatre owners have decided not to release this movie in Karnataka, as they may also face a loss. He has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, and he must seek an apology from Karnataka," he said.

Earlier, Hassan stood by his statement and said that he believed in law and democracy, stating that he would not apologise to anyone for his actions if he was not wrong.

MNM Supports Haasan:

Back in Chennai, the Makkal Needhi Maiam party put up posters supporting party leader Haasan and said “truth needed no apology”. The South India Artistes' Association also defended him, claiming he aimed to promote unity.

The image of the posters, shared by the MNM functionary, said the party firmly stood with its leader and emphasised that there was no need for an apology for speaking the truth.

Read More :

Thug Life Advance Booking: Kamal Haasan Starrer Set For Big Opening