Pro-Kannada Leader Backs Down on 'Thug Life' Row, Accepts SC Verdict But Criticises Police Action

By A Staff Reporter

Bengaluru: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding actor Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life, Pro-Kannada organisation leader Praveen Shetty clarified that his group is not opposing the movie’s release. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shetty addressed the root of the controversy, asserting that the issue had more to do with linguistic pride and a need for accountability rather than censorship or calls for a ban.

“We are not opposing the release of Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life,” Shetty said. “The matter began when Kamal Haasan made a statement suggesting that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. This deeply hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. As per the Karnataka High Court’s direction, he should have issued a public apology.”

Shetty criticised Haasan’s decision to move the Supreme Court instead of issuing an apology, calling it avoidable. “He had an opportunity to address the matter locally and respectfully, but he chose a legal route,” Shetty noted.

However, following the Supreme Court’s ruling—which reportedly cleared the way for the film’s release—Shetty acknowledged the verdict. “Now that the Supreme Court has given an order, we will accept it. We are law-abiding citizens,” he stated.

Despite backing off from protests, Shetty took strong exception to what he described as an excessive police crackdown on pro-Kannada activists. “Deploying police to curb democratic activism is against the Constitution and the law of the land. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right,” he added.