Kamal Haasan has decided to postpone filing his nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat, a move that was scheduled for today. According to sources, this delay is strategic and comes after advisors recommended that he wait until the release of his upcoming film Thug Life, especially in light of the political and cultural backlash he is currently facing.
The controversy stems from Haasan’s recent comment at a promotional event, where he stated that “Kannada is born out of Tamil.” This remark triggered strong reactions from pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka, who accused him of cultural insensitivity and demanded an apology. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce aligned with the protesters and announced it would halt the release and screening of Thug Life across the state. In response, Haasan approached the Karnataka High Court for legal protection for the film's release but ultimately agreed not to release it in the state for now.
Despite mounting pressure, Haasan has stood firm on his position, refusing to apologise and asserting that his statement was taken out of context.
This backlash comes at a politically sensitive time. Haasan was recently named one of the DMK’s official candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, which are scheduled for June 19, as part of an electoral pact between the DMK and his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). Under this agreement, MNM’s support to the DMK-led alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was to be rewarded with a Rajya Sabha seat for Haasan.
With six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu up for grabs, the announcement of Haasan’s candidacy on May 28 was expected to mark his formal entry into Parliament. However, the controversy has shifted the political optics, and the decision to delay filing his nomination appears aimed at damage control — to avoid further inflaming tensions and to let the dust settle before stepping into a national legislative role.
Haasan’s postponement also reflects the complex interplay between his dual identities as a public figure — both a prominent actor with pan-South Indian appeal and a rising politician navigating delicate regional sentiments.
