Talking about the row, M Narasimhalu, KFCC chairman, told The Hindu, “It’s no longer about a film. It’s about an entire state.” During the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai on May 24, 2025 (Saturday), Kamal Haasan made a remark that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.” The actor’s statement spurred a row, with people from Karnataka, including pro-Kannada groups and the BJP, criticising him for hurting their sentiment.

On May 29, 2025 (Thursday), the KFCC held a meeting with members of the Exhibitors Association of Karnataka and Distributors Association of Karnataka to discuss the issue. “The KFCC stands by the sentiments of the people of Karnataka. Kamal Haasan has to apologise in the next two days for a smooth release of Thug Life in Karnataka. The decision was taken with the backing of distributors and exhibitors along with former presidents of KFCC.”

Bengaluru is a significant market for big-star Tamil movies. Distributors face the threat of a huge loss in case the release of Thug Life is delayed in Karnataka. “The distributors are seeking the help of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce to obtain an apology from Kamal Haasan. As of now, we have directed theatre owners and distributors to refrain from taking the film yet,” said Narasimhalu

In 2018, distributors faced the heat when the release of Kaala was banned in Karnataka following the controversial remarks of superstar Rajinikanth on the river Cauvery issue. After buying the film for a whopping rate, distributors endured a huge loss after the film missed its release on the opening day in Karnataka.

Rajinikanth sparked a controversy when he asked the then Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy to release Tamil Nadu’s share of water as mandated by the Supreme Court. “If the Cauvery Management Board isn’t formed soon, then the Centre will face the wrath of Tamil Nadu,” the superstar had said. Kaala eventually released a day later in Karnataka.

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M Narasimhalu recalled Baahubali 2being the other big film that faced an issue in Karnataka before its release in 2021. Pro-Kannada groups threatened to ban the highly anticipated sequel due to Sathyaraj’s “anti-Kannada” comments in relation to the Cauvery row. All decks were cleared for the movie’s release in Karnataka after the actor, and the film’s director, SS Rajamouli, addressed the issue and requested the film’s release.