Tamil Nadu actor-politician Kamal Haasan has decided to stand his ground in the Karnataka High Court, refusing to apologise for his "Kannada language was "born out of Tamil" comment that is at the centre of a fierce row. He has also decided to not release his film 'Thug Life' in the state right now.
The movie, which premieres nationwide Thursday, faces calls for a ban in Karnataka, and the actor had sought direction from the High Court to ensure its release in the state is not blocked in any way.
Appearing for Kamal Haasan Tuesday afternoon, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa told the court the actor has "the utmost respect for Kannada and nothing more needs to be said..." but did not offer an apology, as demanded by the court, and withdrew a petition asking for security at state movie theatres.
"We don't need security as of now... we are not going to be released. We will hold talks with the film chamber," Kamal Haasan's lawyer said, to which an irate court replied, "This is your ego speaking."
The matter will be heard next on June 10.
Earlier today the court warned Kamal Haasan against misusing his right to free speech.
In sharp remarks Tuesday morning, the court offered Kamal Haasan a culinary-themed warning, declaring, "... the spoken word can't be taken back but there can be an apology. You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg" as it urged the actor to apologise for his remark.
"You are not an ordinary man," the court said of the 70-year-old superstar, who is expected to become a Rajya Sabha MP this month with support from Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK.
"You have a right to speech... but not to hurt sentiments. The fundamental right of (free) speech and expression cannot be given to an extent that it hurts the sentiments of the masses. We are leaving this to you now... apologise if you have hurt anyone," the court said, referring also to potential revenue.
Kamal Haasan's new film, 'Thug Life', premieres Thursday.
"In this case you made a statement. Withdraw that statement... that is all. Crores can be earned from Karnataka... but if you don't need the people (of Kannada) then leave the revenue..."
"But we will not permit anyone to take public sentiments for a ride... when mistakes happen you should say, 'It is in this context I spoke (but) if it has hurt anyone I apologise'," the court said.
The court was hearing a petition seeking direction to the authorities, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, to not obstruct or bar the release of his new movie in the state.
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The KFCC had said 'Thug Life' would not be allowed to premiere in Karnataka without an apology. KFCC President, M Narasimhulu, said, "Kamal Haasan insists 'I haven't done anything wrong, so won't apologise'. But if he does not, there is no question of allowing the film's release."
As the court resumed hearing after 2.30 pm, the court remarked, "This is you sticking on to your ego".
Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa said he would confer with his client - over the court's strong advocacy of an apology - and return this afternoon.
He also submitted Kamal Haasan had not insulted Kannada and made his remark with love.
"You use your good office and come back, all is well that ends well. I will take it at 2.30 pm," the court agreed, indicating that if Kamal Haasan were to apologise, the matter will be settled.
On Friday Kamal Haasan had refused to apologise, saying he would have apologised if he felt his remarks were wrong. "This is a democracy and I believe in law and justice," he said.
READ | "Will Apologise Only If Am Wrong": Kamal Haasan's Latest On Kannada Row
The "born out of Tamil" controversy broke earlier this week when Kamal Haasan was speaking at an event in Chennai ahead of the launch of his new film, 'Thug Life'. He began his speech with the phrase 'uyire urave Tamizhe', meaning 'my life and my family is (the) Tamil language'.
READ | "(Kannada) Was Born Out Of Tamil": Kamal Haasan Remark Sparks Row
Then pivoting to Shiva Rajkumar, a Kannada actor also at the event, he said, "This is my family in that place. That's why he (Rajkumar) has come... that's why I began saying 'life, relationship and Tamil'. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included..."
The comment drew predictably sharp reactions, with the BJP, the main opposition party in Karnataka and allied with the main opposition in Tamil Nadu (the AIADMK) slammed the actor. Karnataka BJP chief V Yediyurappa accused him of insulting Kannada.
Pro-Kannada groups also went up in arms over the remark; Sa Ra Govinda, a KFCC member and pro-Kannada figure, told news agency ANI, "This is a simple issue... Kamal Haasan, being a senior respected actor, can close it by saying one simple sorry to Kannadigas... and we Kannadigas will accept his apology wholeheartedly. So we are waiting for him..."
"If not, it (the release of his film) is impossible as distributors and theatre owners have decided not to release this movie... He has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas and must seek apology."
