Will not release Thug Life in Karnataka until...:Kamal Haasan tells High Court

Kamal Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, told the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday that the actor is keen on entering into a dialogue with Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to explain his recent controversial comment about Kannada, which had triggered calls to boycott his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka [Raajkamal Films International v. State of Karnataka]..Appearing before a Bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna, the counsel representing Raaj Kamal Films said that it would not be insisting on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka until then.It was also argued that since Haasan has not said anything bad about the Kannada, there is nothing to apologise for. .The film was earlier slated to be released on June 5. However, Haasan recently commented that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil', triggering a backlash with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) saying that the screening of Thug Life must be banned in Karnataka. The comment was made at a promotional event where Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar was also present. While welcoming Rajkumar, Haasan had reportedly said, "Your language (Kannada) was also born out of Tamil. So you are also part of it.".Haasan's production house eventually moved the Karnataka High Court seeking police protection so that the film's screening can take place without disruption. However, earlier today, the Court criticised Haasan's comment, and added that he should ideally apologise to put the controversy to rest. Haasan's counsel, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, was asked to take instructions on whether the actor would like to apologise. .When the matter was heard again this afternoon, Chinnappa replied that the actor's statements were not borne out of malice and that he had already written a letter to the KFCC's chairman earlier today to explain that he has high regard for the Kannada language. .Haasan has made a sincere statement on the matter to the KFCC and would like to enter into a dialogue with KFCC to explain his stance and put the issue to rest, Chinnappa told the Court. He added that there was nothing in Haasan's statement for him to apologise for and that he should not be compelled to make such a statement. "Not compulsion, that is the grace that he should have. Why beating around the bush? ... There are many ways of clarifying, but only one way of seeking apology," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked, in turn. "It was his stand that he has the utmost respect for the language," Chinnappa replied. "We will accept it, you have written so (in the letter to KFCC)," the judge noted. "Then there is nothing more to be done," Chinnappa said. The Court, however, questioned if this has become a matter of ego."It may be Kamal Haasan. But sentiments of masses of State has been undermined. You should understand the magnitude of the problem. Your statement can solve everything," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked. .Chinnappa disagreed, saying it is not a matter of ego. He went on to submit that even if the country is divided on linguistic lines, India remains one and that India's unity is more important than a film's release."Languages may be many, country is still one," Justice Nagaprasanna agreed.However, the judge also observed that the entire controversy can be resolved if the actor apologises for any sentiment he may have hurt with this statement..Chinnappa eventually said that he is not pressing for the petition's prayer of police protection for the film's release today. Rather, Chinnappa said that Haasan is looking to have a dialogue with KFCC on the issue first."He (Haasan) said, the art can wait, the film release also can wait... Lordship may adjourn by one week," Chinnappa urged..The Court recorded this submission and proceeded to adjourn the case till June 13."Even now, discretion is the best part of valour," the judge observed as the hearing drew to a close. .[Read Live Coverage]