Bengaluru Court Gag Order Silences Kamal Haasan on Kannada Language Controversy

Kamal Haasan's comments about the Kannada language during a promotional event for his film Thug Life last month have resulted in legal repercussions. The remarks led to controversy and a ban of the film in Bengaluru. The issue remains sensitive, even after a month has passed.

A civil court in Bengaluru has now issued an ex parte interim injunction, preventing the veteran actor from making any further disparaging statements about the Kannada language or culture.

Court Order Prohibits Defamatory Statements

The order, issued on Friday (July 4), came from an Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge following a civil suit filed by Mahesh Joshi, President of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP). According to PTI, the petition sought a legal restraint on Kamal Haasan from making "defamatory remarks" about the language and its cultural heritage.

The court's order specifically prohibits Kamal Haasan from “posting, making, writing, or publishing any statement or remarks claiming linguistic superiority over the Kannada language or making any statements against the Kannada language, literature, land, and culture.”

The court has summoned the actor to appear in person for a hearing scheduled on August 30.

Controversial Remarks Sparked Outrage

Kamal Haasan's controversial statement comparing Tamil and Kannada occurred at a Thug Life promotional event in Bengaluru back in May. His assertion that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” angered Kannada activists and cultural organizations. The situation escalated when Haasan declined to retract his statement or offer an apology. Consequently, Thug Life did not release in Karnataka, despite efforts by the production house and Kamal Haasan to appeal to the High Court.

About Thug Life

Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and others in significant roles. The film has underperformed at the box office.