In a bold and controversial move, legendary tamil actor kamal haasan has decided not to release his upcoming pan-India gangster drama Thug Life in karnataka on its original release date of june 5. The decision comes in the wake of backlash over a past statement made by Kamal regarding the origins of the kannada language, which sparked outrage among certain groups in Karnataka. 

In a letter addressed to the kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), kamal haasan stood his ground, stating that he would not apologize for what he believes was a misunderstanding rather than a mistake. “Apologies are meant for mistakes, not for misinterpretations,” he clarified, further intensifying the debate but also earning praise for standing by his convictions.

The fallout from this decision is significant, both culturally and financially. According to trade analysts, the absence of a karnataka release could cost the makers of Thug Life—including kamal haasan and director Mani Ratnam—an estimated ₹12 to ₹15 crore in box office revenue. Despite this potential loss, the film is still expected to make a strong impact across the rest of india and overseas, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. social media has erupted with support for Kamal, with the hashtag #IStandWithKamalHaasan trending across platforms. Many have lauded his refusal to bow to pressure, hailing him as a champion of free speech and artistic integrity.

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