If Kamal Haasan doesn't apologise by May 30, 'Thug Life' will not be screened in Karnataka: KFCC
Bengaluru, May 29 (PTI): Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) said on Thursday that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remark about the Kannada language.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the stakeholders from the industry, KFCC president M Narasimhalu, said the chamber office bearers are trying to meet and talk to him.
"Many Kannada groups have demanded a ban on his movie. So, we met and discussed the matter, and we've decided that he should apologise. We agree that what he did was wrong, and we are trying to meet and talk to him," said Narasimhalu.
KFCC former president Sa Ra Govindu said if Haasan doesn't apologise by tomorrow, KFCC will not allow the film to be released here.
"We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film's release unless he apologises publicly," said Govindu.
Actor Jayamala, who headed KFCC between 2008 and 2010 said, "Whenever there is a language controversy, all Kannadigas must unite -- that is our duty. Whether Kamal Haasan spoke knowingly or unknowingly, his statement was wrong. Kannada was not born out of Tamil."
She also said there is nothing wrong in expressing regret for a mistake instead of trying to justify it.
"We are trying to talk to him and help him understand that his words were deeply hurtful to Kannadigas. It is his moral responsibility to apologise," she added.
Actor-politician Haasan's recent statement claiming that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a promotional event for his upcoming film 'Thug Life' has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations.
The actor on Wednesday clarified that his remarks on Kannada were said out of love and that "love will never apologise."
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Five suspects held for alleged murder of Congress activist Ganesh Gowda in Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru: Five activists of BJP and Bajrang Dal were arrested by the Sakharayapatna Police for alleged murder of Congress activist and Sakharayapatna Gram Panchayat member Ganesh Gowda (38) on Friday night, following a fight over a banner.
Three of the arrested men, Sanjay, Bhushan and Mithun, are known to be BJP members.
An argument broke out between two groups in Sakharayapatna of Kadur taluk two days ago regarding a banner for observation of ‘Datta Jayanti’. The argument continued and intensified into a fight on Friday night near a bar in the village. Shortly later, at around 10:30 pm, a group of eight miscreants on motorbikes is learned to have stopped Gowda, who was traveling in a car on the Kalmurudeshwara Mutt Road and attacked him with lethal weapons.
A seriously injured Gowda reportedly died on the spot.
One of the suspects, Sanjay, was also injured in the attack and is being treated at the Chikkamagaluru Mallegowda District Hospital.
Sakharayapatna Police have registered a case and are investigating.
Chikkamagaluru Superintendent of Police Vikram Amte has said that, as precautionary measure, security has been beefed up in the village.
“While four special teams have been formed for investigation, five of the suspects have already been taken into custody. We are still probing the incident,” he added.
