BENGALURU, 29 MAY

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) said on Thursday that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by 30 May for his controversial remark, "Kannada was born out of Tamil".

KFCC president M Narasimhalu said, "Many Kannada groups have demanded a ban on his movie. So, we discussed the matter and decided that he should apologise. We agree that what he did was wrong, and we are trying to meet and talk to him."

KFCC former president Sa Ra Govindu said on Thursday, "We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film's release unless he apologises publicly."

Actor Jayamala, who headed KFCC between 2008 and 2010, said, "Whenever there is a language controversy, all Kannadigas must unite. It is our duty. Whether Kamal Haasan spoke knowingly or unknowingly, his statement was wrong. Kannada was not born out of Tamil."

She also said there is nothing wrong in expressing regret for a mistake instead of trying to justify it.

"We are trying to talk to him and help him understand that his words were deeply hurtful to Kannadigas. It is his moral responsibility to apologise," she added.

Kamal Haasan on Wednesday clarified that he made the remark on Kannada out of love for the language, and "love will never apologise".