Thug Life actor Kamal Haasan has reacted to the mounting controversy following his statement on Kannada language. At Mani Ratnam`s directorial`s audio launch, Haasan had said that Kannada language was born from Tamil language. This did not sit well with Kannadigas and the state`s film body threatened to disrupt the film`s release. Moments after the Karnataka HC pulled up Haasan for his comment, the actor issued a letter addressed to Narasimhalu, President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. 
Kamal Haasan`s statement
I acknowledge your letter dated 30/05/2025. Out of deep respect for the people of Karnataka, I offer the following with sincerity. It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch- spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar`s family, especially Shiva Rajkumar – has been misunderstood and taken out of context. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way. There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language. Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired.
Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community, and I say this with a clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue. My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and all languages of this land is abiding and heartfelt. I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of the Union of India.
`I speak the language of cinema`
I know and speak the language of Cinema. Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also only to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us. It is this love and bond that my seniors taught me which I wanted to share. It is out of this love and bond that Shivanna attended the audio launch event. I really regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this. But am sure our true love and respect for each other will always remain and get firmer now.
Cinema must remain a bridge between people. – never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement and I never have been nor would ever want to give any room for public unrest and animosity.
I sincerely hope my words are received in the spirit they were intended, and that my enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognised in its true light. I earnestly believe that this misunderstanding is temporary and an opportunity to reiterate our mutual love and respect.