Kamal Haasan has never shied away from controversy. Whether on screen or off it, the actor, director, and political figure has often found himself in the eye of the storm — something he seems to accept, even embrace.
The latest flashpoint came during his graduation speech at MIT where he made a provocative statement about Kannada being derived from Tamil.
The comment drew ire in Karnataka, leading the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to threaten a ban on his upcoming film Thug Life — a major Tamil release that reunites him with Nayakan director Mani Ratnam after nearly four decades.
But this is far from Haasan’s first brush with backlash.
In 1992, Thevar Magan was accused of portraying the Thevar community in a violent light, even though it later won five National Awards.
His 2004 film Virumaandi (originally titled Sandiyar) faced political opposition for allegedly promoting caste violence.
Dasavathaaram (2008) angered Hindu groups, and 2013’s Vishwaroopam was temporarily banned in Tamil Nadu for alleged anti-Muslim content, despite receiving CBFC clearance.
Haasan held special screenings to appease protesting groups, and eventually, the Madras High Court lifted the ban — after the film had already released in other states.
Despite the controversy, Vishwaroopam grossed ₹220 crore and won two National Awards.
Yet, he wasn’t done ruffling feathers. In interviews and opinion pieces, Haasan accused Hindu groups of weaponizing festivals and even said “you cannot say there is no Hindu terror.”
His remarks on the Mahabharata, describing Draupadi as a pawn, led to a PIL from right-wing groups.
In 2019, while campaigning for his political party Makkal Needhi Maiyam, Haasan sparked further outrage by calling Nathuram Godse “independent India’s first extremist” — a comment he defended as historical fact.
Even his 2000 film Hey Ram, which portrayed a fictional plot to assassinate Gandhi, was seen by some as revisionist and controversial.
Haasan played the protagonist, Saket Ram, who ultimately chooses not to go through with the assassination. Again, he defended his work under the banner of artistic liberty.
Haasan has never apologized for his choices, and perhaps that’s the point.
The firestorm around Thug Life continues, with backlash over his kiss with a much younger actor, Abhirami, and a suggestive dialogue aimed at Trisha’s character in the trailer.
But Kamal Haasan isn’t just an artist — he’s a calculated entrepreneur who’s also co-producing the film with Mani Ratnam and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies.
He may be in the middle of yet another controversy, but as history shows, Kamal Haasan often emerges — critically and commercially — on top.
Thug Life is slated to release on June 5, 2025.
