Facing mounting pressure, Tamil actor Kamal Haasan has been asked by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to issue a public apology by Friday over his recent remark about the origin of the Kannada language. Failing to do so, distributors have been directed to halt the screening of his films in Karnataka. The controversy stems from Haasan’s recent comment at an event in Bengaluru, where he claimed that Kannada originated from Tamil. The statement triggered backlash from pro-Kannada activists who have demanded an apology. However, Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise, instead calling for a debate on the subject. “We don’t have a soft corner for Kamal Haasan, nor are we ready to show mercy over his remark on Kannada,” said Sa Ra Govindu, former president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and a prominent pro-Kannada activist, after a meeting with film producers and distributors on Thursday. Venkatesh, a Bengaluru-based distributor of Haasan’s upcoming Tamil film Thug Life, also expressed support for the call to withhold the film’s release. In contrast, actor Dr Shivarajkumar defended Haasan, calling him a Kannada lover. “I’m his biggest fan and inspired by him. He’s my favourite actor,” Shivarajkumar said, adding that Haasan has acted in Kannada films and he believed the veteran actor would respond appropriately. Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi also demanded an apology from Haasan and supported calls for a ban on his films in Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented that Haasan might not be fully aware of the long and rich history of the Kannada language. Former Lok Sabha member and actress Sumalatha said the remark hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. “We are not experts to speak on the origin of a language,” she said, adding, however, that one comment would not diminish Kannada’s stature.
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