'Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments': Kamal Haasan faces court heat; Top quotes

NEW DELHI: The Karnataka high court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing in a petition filed by Raajkamal Films International—producers of the Kamal Haasan-starrer 'Thug Life,' seeking police protection for the film's release in the state. The film landed in controversy after Kamal Haasan's remark that "Kannada is born out of Tamil."

The hearing, which witnessed strong remarks from Justice M Nagaprasanna, has now been posted for June 10. This came after the court was informed that Kamal Haasan had written to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), saying that the film will not release in the state until the ongoing dispute is resolved through dialogue.

Here are the top quotes:

• Justice M Nagaprasanna minced no words while addressing the controversy triggered by Haasan’s “Kannada is born out of Tamil” comment. Drawing historical parallels, he asked why Haasan couldn't issue an apology, pointing out that even prominent leaders and film icons had done so in the past. "You (Kamal Haasan) have no right to hurt the sentiments. In this country, Jala (water), Nela (land), and Bhashe (language) are dear to people. What did the people of Karnataka ask for? An apology? There is no apology or an explanation. It is all a circumstance created by Kamal Haasan," the judge told the counsel for the petitioner.
• Justice Nagaprasanna invoked the example of C Rajagopalachari, who had made a contentious statement in 1950 but later publicly apologised. He questioned Kamal Haasan's reluctance to take similar responsibility. "Are you a historian, a linguist? On what basis did you speak? If Rajagopalachari could tender a public apology 75 years ago, why can't you (Kamal Haasan)? For your commercial interest, you have approached this court seeking police protection for a situation created by you," he said.
• The judge emphasised the emotional and cultural significance of language, particularly Kannada, and cautioned against the misuse of freedom of expression. "Language is a sentiment attached to the land of people. Kannada is a strong language and doesn't wither by such statements. Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments," he added.
• In a pointed comparison, Justice Nagaprasanna recalled how actor Rajinikanth had issued a public apology during the release of Kaala over his remarks on the Cauvery water issue.

Kamal Haasan's clarification

Responding to the backlash, Kamal Haasan sent a letter to the KFCC, clarifying that his remarks were misconstrued and meant as a tribute to Kannada cinema icon Dr Rajkumar's family.

"It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch – spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family – has been misunderstood and taken out of context," he wrote.

Haasan asserted his respect for the Kannada language and reiterated his belief in unity through cinema.

"Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam – and all languages of this land – is abiding and heartfelt."

Haasan further added that cinema speaks a “universal language” rooted in love and bonding, expressing regret that his colleague Shiva Rajkumar had to face embarrassment due to the controversy.