Kamal Hassan’s Controversial Journey & the Silence of Kannada Stars

Renowned Indian actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan recently found himself at the center of a linguistic storm involving the Kannada language. During a public event of his upcoming movie ‘Thug life’, Kamal allegedly made comments that were perceived as dismissive or insensitive toward Kannada, sparking outrage among Kannada activists, language lovers, and segments of the public in Karnataka.

Well, this is not the first time Kamal has involved in a controversy. Regardless of his statements and ideologies people all around the country have shown him love and affection for his cinematic vision, acting skill etc. But this time, people of Karnataka are aggressively protesting against Kamal Hassan.

Public Reaction

The reaction in Karnataka was swift. Kannada activists and pro-Kannada organizations demanded an apology, asserting that no language should be considered inferior or less ancient. Social media platforms witnessed trending hashtags like #ApologizeKamalHaasan and #RespectKannada, emphasizing the emotional and cultural attachment Kannadigas have to their language. The controversy highlighted a deeper sensitivity — one rooted not just in language but in regional pride, cultural identity, and historical validation.

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Understanding the Root of the Problem

India is a land of diverse languages, with each region holding immense pride in its linguistic identity. The South Indian linguistic landscape is particularly sensitive because Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam are Dravidian languages, each with ancient origins, literary wealth, and political significance.

Often, debates arise about which language is “older” or “richer,” which are unnecessary comparisons that only serve to divide rather than unite. When celebrities like Kamal Haasan, who hold influence across South India, appear to take sides, even unintentionally, it can lead to unrest.

Effect:

This one controversy might affect the release of Kamal Hassan’s upcoming movie ‘Thug Life’. Many groups are demanding ban on the film and also the theatre owners are warned to not release the film. There is a belief in cinema industry that if a movie gets a positive response in Karnataka especially Bengaluru, then the movie is hit. Considering this, all the Pan India movie teams visit Bengaluru for promotions. In case, if Kaml Hassan denies to apologize then the whole of Tamil industry might face backlash from Karnataka. No Tamil movies might get as much love in future as it used to get till now.

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Kannada Today:

Despite its glorious past, Kannada often faces challenges in the modern world. In urban centres like Bengaluru, Kannada is sometimes overshadowed by English and Hindi, especially in corporate environments. Globalization and migration have led to a reduced emphasis on native languages in households and schools. However, there is also a strong movement to revive and preserve Kannada, led by youth collectives, digital creators, and literary forums. Social media trends like #NammaKannada, Kannada podcasts, YouTube channels, and music albums are giving the language a contemporary voice while staying rooted in tradition. Including cinemas every platform should be used to promote the beauty of the language Kannada rather than spreading hatred. Everyone should have a proper knowledge about Kannada, history before making any statement spreading hatred.

Why Kannada actors are silent?

While Kamal Hassan makes the statement which hurts the sentiment of Kannadigas, many Kannada celebrities remain silent or trying to take a diplomatic stand. Actress Ramya, have shared a post supporting Kamal Hassan. The main reason for this is right now, the market is global. In recent years, Indian cinema has undergone a dramatic transformation with the rise of Pan-India films — movies that transcend regional boundaries and aim for nationwide appeal across languages and cultures. While this trend has helped break linguistic silos and showcase regional talent to larger audiences, it has also blurred cultural assertiveness, especially when controversies arise. In the past, such incidents would have seen a wave of support from Kannada actors, directors, and musicians, rallying behind their language. But this time, many high-profile Sandalwood stars have chosen to stay quiet, avoiding statements, tweets, or public solidarity.

The primary reason for this silence seems to be the influence of the Pan-India cinema ecosystem, where regional boundaries are increasingly viewed as commercial barriers rather than cultural distinctions. Kannada stars like Yash, Rishab Shetty, Daali Dhananjay, Shivarajkumar, Upendra, Sudeep and many other Kannada actors are now household names beyond Karnataka. Also, Collaborations with Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi actors and technicians are common, and maintaining neutral diplomacy helps preserve working relationships.

Criticizing a legend like Kamal Haasan, who commands immense respect in all industries, could be seen as a career risk. Stars today have a national fanbase thanks to platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and dubbed theatrical releases. Speaking out in favour of regional sentiment might risk alienating non-Kannada audiences or being seen as “regionalist” in the wrong light. Big-budget Pan-India films rely on multi-state releases and political approvals, especially in sensitive regions. Celebrities are advised by PR teams and production houses to avoid statements that might trigger backlash or boycotts. But still the question arises that if similar statement made by any Kannada celebrity would they react in a same way? Don’t know!  Double Standards? A Fair Question; This situation also sparks a deeper debate — Would Tamil or Telugu actors stay silent if Kannada actors undermined their language? Historically, actors from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been vocal and protective of their linguistic and cultural identity.

The fact that Kannada cinema had to fight hard for recognition in the national space makes this silence more painful for the native audience, who now feel disconnected from their own stars. The Kamal Haasan-Kannada controversy is not just about a comment — it’s about how global ambitions are reshaping cultural priorities. The Pan-India dream has given Kannada cinema global visibility, but in the process, it risks muting its soul.

As Kannada audiences continue to support their stars across the world, they also expect their stars to speak for them when it matters most — especially when their language, history, and identity are at stake.

Kamal Hassan, while being one of India’s most revered actors and intellectuals, has also been a figure of several controversies over the years.

Here are some of his Controversies:

• “Vishwaroopam” Ban (2013): Issue: His spy thriller Vishwaroopam was banned in Tamil Nadu just before its release, after Muslim organizations claimed it portrayed their community in a negative light. Kamal Haasan was deeply hurt and even stated that he might leave Tamil Nadu and seek a more “secular state” to release his films. The film was eventually released after cuts were made, but the issue highlighted censorship and freedom of expression in cinema.
• Comments on Mahabharata (2017):  In a TV interview, Kamal Haasan questioned the morality of a scene in the Mahabharata, where Draupadi was gambled away by the Pandavas. Hindu organizations, including the VHP and BJP, accused him of hurting religious sentiments and demanded an apology. The actor stood by his words but refrained from escalating the issue further.
• “Hindu Terrorism” Remark (2017):  In a Tamil magazine column, Kamal Haasan claimed that Hindu extremism had started to show its face, implying that no religion was immune to radicalism. Several right-wing groups filed complaints, and FIRs were lodged against him for allegedly inciting communal hatred. The issue intensified political opposition but also gained support from secular voices defending free speech.
• Bigg Boss Tamil Controversies: As the host of Bigg Boss Tamil, Kamal has been criticized multiple times for showing bias toward certain contestants. Making politically charged statements during episodes. Also, Using the platform to subtly promote his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM).
• Language and Cultural Supremacy: Kamal has, on several occasions, spoken about the antiquity and superiority of Tamil, sometimes perceived as dismissive of other South Indian languages. His views have caused discomfort in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, especially when they seem to downplay the historical significance of Kannada or Telugu.
• “Hey Ram” (2000) – Controversial Themes: The film, written and directed by Kamal Haasan, touched on the Partition, Hindu-Muslim riots, and Gandhi’s assassination. It drew flak for allegedly justifying communal violence and showing sensitive political events in a controversial manner.

-Pramod Mohan Hegde