Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan has decided to withhold the release of his upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka, following backlash over his recent remarks on the origins of the Kannada language.

The decision came after the Karnataka High Court suggested that Haasan was letting ego stand in the way of resolving a controversy that had hurt public sentiments.

The film, produced by Haasan's Raajkamal Film Ventures, is scheduled for a global release on June 5.

However, in a hearing on Tuesday, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the production house, informed the court that the film's release in Karnataka would be deferred by a week to allow time for further dialogue with local stakeholders.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the production house seeking police protection for the film’s release in the state. The petition was withdrawn after the bench expressed concern over Haasan’s refusal to issue an apology.

“This is where you are sticking on to the ego not apologizing… It may be Kamala Haasan or anyone…it is the sentiments of the masses of the state that has been undermined is what the problem has arisen about…You should understand magnitude of the problem,” the judge said, as reported by Live Law.

“It can lead to something else… If your intention is this (letter to the chamber) why not end it with…It is an explanation for a clarification.”

The controversy stems from comments Haasan made during a public event, where he reportedly said that Kannada “is born out of” Tamil.

The statement drew sharp criticism from pro-Kannada organisations and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which staged protests in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi, and Mysuru. Karnataka’s Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi also joined in the demand for an apology.

In court, Chinnappa defended Haasan, stating that his remarks were made without malice and in a context that expressed admiration for Kannada cinema icon Dr. Rajkumar.

“There was no malice to the language as can be seen. We cannot look at things so differently that a statement made inviting superstar of Kannada cinema. A public figure has said his love for Kannada language is absolute,” he said.

He submitted a letter from Haasan to the KFCC in which the actor explained that his comments were made “out of genuine affection” and intended to express unity, not diminish Kannada.

“He said, Art can wait and he says release can wait in Karnataka,” Chinnappa told the court. He also conveyed that the production team was open to dialogue with the KFCC and was not seeking immediate police protection.

“We will have a dialogue with KFCC. If they are willing to discuss it, we will discuss,” he added.

The court, taking note of Haasan’s position, adjourned the matter until June 10. Until then, Thug Life will not be screened in Karnataka.