Bengaluru Court Gag Order: Kamal Haasan Restricted from Defaming Kannada Language After 'Born of Tamil' Claim

Kamal Haasan's remarks about the Kannada language during a Thug Life promotional event last month have resulted in legal action. The controversy, which began in May, has led a Bengaluru civil court to issue an ex parte interim injunction against the veteran actor. This order prevents Haasan from making any further defamatory remarks against the Kannada language or its culture.

The ruling, delivered by an Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge on Friday, follows a civil suit filed by Mahesh Joshi, President of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP). The petition sought legal restraint to prevent Kamal Haasan from making statements that could be seen as disparaging to the language and its cultural roots.

The court order specifically bars 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 actor has been summoned to appear in person for the next hearing, scheduled for August 30.

Haasan's Controversial Statement

The controversy stems from a statement Kamal Haasan made during a promotional event for Thug Life in Bengaluru, where he reportedly said, “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” These remarks were met with strong opposition from Kannada activists and cultural organizations. The situation escalated when Haasan declined to retract his statement or issue an apology. Consequently, Thug Life did not release in Karnataka, despite efforts from 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. The film's box office performance was underwhelming.