New Delhi: Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan appears to be in trouble if he does not apologise for his recent remark about the Kannada language. The controversy erupted after the actor stated that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.”

On Friday (May 31), Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi clearly stated that all of Kamal Haasan’s movies would be banned in the state if the actor failed to apologise for his comments on the Kannada language. This decision has been made by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC).

All the movies of Kamal Haasan are to be banned

KFCC on Thursday had said that the actor’s all movies will be banned for sure if the Tamil actor does not apologise publicly by May 30, for his controversial remarks made on the Kannada language. The actor spoke on language controversy during a promotional event for his upcoming movie. He also targeted Shivaraj Tangadagi.

The Karnataka minister said on the ban, “Kannada, Kannadigas, and Karnataka’s land and water — they will not be tolerated. Haasan has to apologise; if not, as decided by the Film Chamber of Commerce, his films will be banned. We won’t allow it if he doesn’t apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn’t apologise, we will make our decision.”

The Karnataka minister spoke about the ban, saying, “I have written a letter. After that, the Film Chamber of Commerce made a good decision and held a press meet yesterday, stating that if he didn’t apologise within two days, his film would be banned. I extend my compliments to the Film Chamber of Commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture.”

KFCC president M. Narasimhalu also expressed his anger towards the megastar and said, “We respect actors, but any derogatory remark about Kannada, its people, history, or language will not be tolerated.”

Kamal Haasan’s response

Amid the ongoing controversy, the veteran actor has not yet agreed to apologise. He stated that he believes in law and justice, and that his love for Karnataka is genuine. He also claimed that whatever is happening regarding the ban isn’t new, as it has happened to him in the past as well.