Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has found himself at the center of a major controversy following a remark suggesting that the Kannada language was "born out of Tamil." This statement has triggered a significant backlash, particularly from political leaders and pro-Kannada organizations in the neighboring state of Karnataka, casting a shadow over the upcoming release of his highly anticipated film, "Thug Life."
The contentious comment, which touches upon the sensitive issue of linguistic origins and pride in South India, has been widely criticized in Karnataka. Many view it as historically inaccurate and disrespectful to Kannada's distinct and ancient heritage. Political figures, including members of the BJP in Karnataka, and various Kannada advocacy groups have strongly condemned Haasan's assertion.
Demands for an apology from the actor-politician have been growing louder. There are concerns that the controversy could escalate, potentially impacting the theatrical release and box office performance of "Thug Life" in Karnataka, a significant market for South Indian cinema. Some pro-Kannada outfits have reportedly threatened to disrupt screenings of the film if Haasan does not retract his statement or apologize.
Kamal Haasan, who also heads the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in Tamil Nadu, is no stranger to making bold statements. However, this particular linguistic claim has struck a raw nerve, given the deep cultural and emotional significance attached to languages in the region.
While both Tamil and Kannada are ancient Dravidian languages with shared roots, linguists generally consider them to be sister languages that evolved independently from a common proto-Dravidian ancestor, rather than one directly originating from the other in the manner Haasan suggested.
The timing of this controversy is unfortunate for the makers of "Thug Life," as it risks alienating a large segment of the audience in Karnataka. The situation highlights the delicate tightrope public figures, especially those involved in both cinema and politics, must walk when discussing sensitive historical and cultural topics in a diverse region like South India.
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