Thug Jeevan: Pro-Kanada Group has warned Bengaluru theaters against the screening of Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Jeevan’
Tension erupted in Bengaluru on Sunday, as members of the Kannada group Karnataka Rakshan Vedic staged a protest outside Vijay Cinema in Kamakashipalya. The purpose of the performance was to stop the screening of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life’, following a controversial statement made by the actor. During an event in Chennai, Kamal Haasan allegedly commented that “Kannada was born from Tamil,” a claim that was widely increased among Kannada supporters.The group threatens owners of theater, KFCC respondsPraveen Shetty, president of Karnataka Rakshaan Vedic, led the protest and issued a strict warning to the theater owners. He alleged that Kamal Haasan had insulted the Kannada language and called the film to be blocked in Karnataka. Talking to ANI, Shetty said that if the ‘thug life’ is investigated, the state government should be ready to take responsibility for any decline. Shortly after the protest, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a statewide ban on the release of the film.CM Siddaramaiah and Kamal Haasan responseKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to Kamal Haasan’s comments. Rejecting the actor’s statement as an ignorant, CM said, “Kannada has a long history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.” When Kamal Haasan said while addressing an uproar at a separate event, the issue went ahead, he refused to offer forgiveness. He maintained his position saying, “Love will never apologize. I will only apologize when I am wrong. This is my lifestyle. Please do not tamper with it. ,The restriction threatens amidst the support of KFCCIn the latest development, Karnataka Minister Shivraj Tangadgi resonated to ban Kamal Haasan’s films until the actor pardoned public forgiveness. Supporting this spirit, KFCC President M. Narasimalu said that the decision to withdraw the screening of ‘thug life’ was independently taken by theater owners and distributors. As tension boils, the film’s release in Karnataka is uncertain.
