Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has strongly condemned actor Kamal Haasan for his recent remarks on the Kannada language, describing them as insensitive and disrespectful. Yediyurappa asserted that it is deeply unfortunate for someone who is neither a historian nor a linguist to comment dismissively on Kannada’s heritage.
Posting on his official X account, Yediyurappa stated, “‘Kannadave satya, Kannadave nitya’ is not just a slogan — it is a solemn vow taken by every Kannadiga in devotion to Mother Bhuvaneshwari.” He emphasized that senior linguists have long established Kannada as an ancient, independent language, not derived from any other.
He further accused Kamal Haasan of disrupting peace and harmony with his statement, adding that the actor had wounded the sentiments of crores of Kannadigas. “No one becomes small by apologizing, and no one becomes great by clinging to arrogance,” Yediyurappa said, urging Haasan to offer a public apology.
Protests have since erupted across Karnataka. In Davanagere, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by district president Ramegowda M.S., staged a demonstration at the Geetanjali cinema hall. Protesters tore down posters of non-Kannada films and damaged property, warning theatre management against screening Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life.
Pro-Kannada groups have called for a statewide boycott of the actor’s films unless he issues an unconditional apology. The controversy has intensified into a cultural flashpoint, with threats of further protests and theatre blockades if the demands are ignored.
