Karnataka Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi reacts strongly to Kamal Haasan’s claim that Kannada evolved from Tamil, warning of a potential ban on his films in Karnataka amid linguistic row.
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Karnataka-Tamil Linguistic Row Escalates: Minister Threatens Ban on Kamal Haasan Films After Language Remark
Bengaluru | June 3, 2025 — A political and cultural storm is brewing in southern India following Tamil actor and politician Kamal Haasan’s controversial remarks on the origin of the Kannada language. The fallout intensified over the weekend as Karnataka’s Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, issued a stern warning that Kamal Haasan’s films could face a statewide ban if he fails to retract or substantiate his statements.
The dispute has sparked heated reactions from linguistic scholars, film bodies, and political leaders, reigniting the long-standing sensitivities between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over cultural heritage and language identity.
Karnataka Minister Threatens Ban on Kamal Haasan Films Over Kannada Origin Remark
The Trigger: What Did Kamal Haasan Say?
At a recent cultural symposium in Chennai, Kamal Haasan claimed during his address that “Kannada evolved from Tamil”, asserting that early Kannada borrowed heavily from ancient Tamil grammar and vocabulary. Haasan, known for his progressive stances and oratory, suggested that linguistic interdependence should be acknowledged and celebrated, not denied.
“There was a time when Kannada and Tamil were not so distinct. Kannada carries a lot of Tamil DNA. That is a historical fact,” he said, referencing Sangam-era scripts.
The video of his speech went viral on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, prompting both academic analysis and political uproar.
Karnataka Reacts: From Rebuttal to Repercussion
Karnataka's ruling establishment took strong exception to the remarks. Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, during a press interaction in Bengaluru, called the statement “baseless, inflammatory, and insulting to the Kannada-speaking community.”
“Kamal Haasan is not a linguist. He is a film actor who has overstepped his boundaries. If he does not retract this offensive claim, we will consider initiating a ban on his films in Karnataka,” Tangadagi warned.
The minister also announced that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) would be consulted regarding the exhibition of Haasan’s films across the state. Kannada Sahitya Parishat leaders echoed the minister’s sentiments, calling the remarks “a disservice to Dravidian harmony.”
BJP MLC Challenges Haasan for Proof
BJP MLC N. Ravikumar, known for his advocacy of Kannada pride, threw down a gauntlet to Haasan:
“Let him produce academic evidence from credible sources showing that Kannada originated from Tamil. Our scholars will debate him anywhere, anytime.”
Ravikumar emphasized the distinct evolution of Kannada from Prakrit and other Dravidian roots, warning that misinformation could “inflame linguistic chauvinism.”
Industry Voices and Cultural Tensions
While political reactions have been sharp, the Kannada film industry appears divided.
Actor Upendra said:
“This is not the time to divide people based on language. Let artists be the bridge between cultures.”
However, Darshan, another leading actor, said the government was right to defend Kannada's pride and identity.
Meanwhile, Tamil film industry members, including director Vetrimaaran and actress Jyothika, called the backlash “disproportionate” and urged Karnataka to treat Kamal Haasan’s remarks as “an invitation to cultural discourse, not a threat.”
Scholarly Input: Where Does the Truth Lie?
Dr. H.S. Nagaraj, linguist and professor at Mysore University, explained:
“Both Kannada and Tamil are part of the Dravidian language family, but Kannada has evolved independently with influences from Prakrit, Sanskrit, and regional dialects. Haasan's comment simplifies a very nuanced history.”
Tamil Nadu-based historian Dr. R. Parthasarathy disagreed:
“Ancient Tamil inscriptions predate many Kannada records, and cross-pollination was inevitable. Haasan was not denying Kannada’s identity, but highlighting shared roots.”
The Bigger Picture: Politics, Identity, and Cinema
This controversy surfaces at a time when linguistic nationalism is gaining momentum across India. In both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, cultural identity is deeply tied to language and literature.
Kamal Haasan, who leads the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party, has often faced criticism for mixing political ideology with art. His critics say this remark was politically motivated to stir pan-Tamil pride ahead of local elections.
“When you talk of unity, don’t insult others’ pride,” tweeted Kannada poet Chandrashekhar Patil.
What Next? Possible Fallout and Path Forward
While no official notification has yet been issued to ban Haasan’s films, KFCC sources confirmed that exhibitors and multiplex owners are waiting for government guidance.
If the standoff continues, the release of Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film “Vettaiyan” in Karnataka may face disruptions.
Legal experts point out that film bans based on speech outside of cinema could face challenges under Article 19 of the Constitution, unless deemed incitement to public disorder.
Conclusion: A Cultural Crossroads
This latest row underscores the fragile balance between freedom of expression and cultural respect, especially in a nation as linguistically rich as India. Kamal Haasan has yet to issue a statement since the controversy erupted.
Until then, the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu wait — divided by debate, but hopefully united by dialogue.
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