Bengaluru/Chennai, May 28, 2025 – Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has ignited a linguistic and political firestorm with his recent comment claiming that “Kannada was born from Tamil.” The remark, made at the Thug Life audio launch in Chennai, has triggered protests across Karnataka, drawn sharp political criticism, and reopened deep-seated cultural and linguistic debates between South Indian states.
The Controversial Statement That Sparked It All
Speaking during the event for his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’, where Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar was present on stage, Kamal Haasan made the following remark:
Kannada was born out of Tamil. Just like how all Dravidian languages trace their roots to Tamil.”
While Kamal may have meant it as a historical observation about the Dravidian language family, the statement was perceived in Karnataka as a linguistic slight, suggesting Tamil superiority over Kannada — a highly sensitive topic in the state.
“Kannada Was Born from Tamil” — Kamal’s Language Bomb Sparks Statewide Protests
At the Thug Life audio launch, Kamal Haasan made a bold and controversial statement:
“Kannada was born out of Tamil.”
The remark, made in front of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, unleashed a storm across Karnataka.
#Tamil megastar #KamalHaasan has issued a clarification regarding his remarks on #Kannada language that sparked a controversy in Karnataka, with groups calling for a boycott of his upcoming movie #ThugLife.
https://t.co/Z2J7ghrZs2 pic.twitter.com/jr8wU1rPmD
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 28, 2025
Source: The New India Express
Karnataka Reacts:
- Pro-Kannada organizations like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike burned posters and demanded an apology.
- CM Siddaramaiah called the remark “historically incorrect and culturally insensitive.”
- Netizens flooded social media with hashtags like #KamalHaasanApologize and #RespectKannada.
Kamal’s Clarification:
“My love for Kannada is not new. Language debates should be left to historians, not actors.”
Read Aslo: 3 Indians Missing in Iran: Urgent Embassy Action Underway
Source: Times Now
Karnataka Reacts with Outrage: “Insult to Kannada Identity!”
Within hours of the statement going viral, multiple Kannada organizations, activists, and politicians reacted with outrage.
Major Reactions:
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) held protests in Bengaluru and Mysuru, burning Kamal Haasan’s posters and demanding an unconditional apology.
- The hashtag #KamalHaasanApologize began trending on X (formerly Twitter).
- Several Kannada film industry members called the remark “unfortunate” and “provocative.”
“This is not the first time Tamil leaders have disrespected Kannada. We will not tolerate such arrogance,” said KRV leader Narayana Gowda.
Political Reactions: Karnataka CM and BJP Slam Kamal
CM Siddaramaiah Reacts:
“Kamal Haasan is a respected artist, but this statement was inaccurate and culturally insensitive. Kannada is an ancient language with its own rich heritage.”
He further stated that such comments only sow discord among South Indian states.
BJP Demands Action:
Karnataka BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash lashed out at Haasan, accusing him of stoking linguistic chauvinism:
“He should focus on his flopped political party and not rewrite history.”
The BJP has also urged the CBFC and Netflix to reconsider platforming Thug Life in Karnataka, calling for a temporary boycott.
What Do Language Experts Say?
Linguists have weighed in to clarify the roots of Kamal’s controversial statement. Most agree that Tamil is the oldest surviving Dravidian language, but Kannada evolved independently over centuries.
Dr. K.R. Narayan, Professor of Dravidian Studies, states:
“Kamal is not wrong in pointing out that Tamil is ancient. But Kannada is not a derivative of Tamil — it has its own trajectory, literature, and grammar structure dating back over 2,000 years.”
Kamal Haasan’s Clarification: “I Spoke Out of Love, Not Ego”
Facing mounting criticism, Kamal Haasan released a video statement late Monday night to cool the flames:
“My love for Kannada is decades old. I have acted in Kannada films, my songs are in Kannada, and my friendships with Kannada stars are lifelong. What I said came from a place of affection — not arrogance.”
He also referenced his collaboration with late Dr. Rajkumar, calling it “one of the proudest moments” of his career.
Film Industry Caught in the Crossfire
As the debate snowballs, the Tamil and Kannada film fraternities are treading cautiously.
Sandalwood Reactions:
- Actor Puneeth Rajkumar‘s brother Raghavendra Rajkumar called for “cultural unity, not conflict.”
- Director Upendra said, “Artistes should avoid sweeping statements about history or identity.”
Kollywood Backs Kamal:
Director Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman supported Kamal, saying the comment was “misunderstood and taken out of context”.
From Actor to Parliamentarian: Kamal Haasan to Enter Rajya Sabha via DMK Deal
In a surprise move that shook Tamil Nadu politics, DMK has allotted one of its Rajya Sabha seats to Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). The elections are scheduled for June 19, 2025, and Haasan is all but confirmed to enter Parliament.
Kannada Activists Threaten Boycott of ‘Thug Life’
Activists are now calling for a statewide boycott of Kamal’s upcoming gangster drama Thug Life, scheduled for release on June 5, 2025.
Pro-Kannada Groups Say:
“If Kamal doesn’t apologize on stage, we will not allow the screening of Thug Life in Karnataka.”
Multiplex chains in Bengaluru are reportedly tight-lipped about the controversy, awaiting state government direction before releasing tickets.
Political Angle: Is Kamal Playing the Dravidian Card Ahead of Rajya Sabha Entry?
DMK-MNM Alliance: What It Means
- MNM will not contest Lok Sabha elections but will support the DMK-led INDIA bloc.
- Kamal said, “This isn’t about seats; this is about saving democracy.”
Netizens Troll Kamal: “Actor Turned Politician Turned Linguist”
Social media platforms are ablaze with memes and jabs aimed at Kamal. One user wrote:
“Today he’s a hero in a Mani Ratnam movie, tomorrow a Rajya Sabha MP, and yesterday a language expert?!”
Others criticized his alliance with DMK, saying he once claimed to be an “anti-establishment crusader.”
Flashback: Kamal’s History with Language Politics
This isn’t the first time Kamal has waded into linguistic controversies:
- In 2019, he supported anti-Hindi imposition protests in Tamil Nadu.
- In 2022, he said “language should never be weaponized” during a public event in Hyderabad.
This time, however, the backlash is notably stronger and more widespread — signaling that even respected artists are not immune to linguistic sensitivities.
Political Backlash and Criticism from BJP, AIADMK
While DMK welcomed him, BJP and AIADMK slammed Kamal’s nomination:
- BJP’s Annamalai accused him of “opportunism masked as idealism.”
- AIADMK’s D. Jayakumar said Kamal was “politically irrelevant and now hanging on DMK’s coattails.”
Kamal responded:
“I’m not here for a chair. I’m here for change.”
Final Word: A Cultural Clash or a Misunderstood Remark?
Kamal Haasan’s statement has once again reminded India of the deep emotional ties people have with their language. Whether it was a misstep or a misinterpretation, the incident shows how history, identity, and politics intersect in powerful ways in modern India.
While Kamal has clarified his intention, the protests show no signs of stopping — and all eyes are now on Karnataka’s theatres, Tamil Nadu’s politics, and Kamal’s next move in the national spotlight.
