Kamal Haasan Pens Emotional Note for Mani Ratnam’s Birthday: ‘A Love Letter’

Kannada-Tamil Controversy: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam are ready to entertain the audience with their upcoming film 'Thug Life'. The film is going to be released in theaters on June 5. Today, on June 2, Mani Ratnam is celebrating his 69th birthday. On the special occasion of Mani Ratnam's birthday, Kamal Haasan has posted an emotional note for the filmmaker. Kamal Haasan's note has come amid the controversy over his "Tamil gave birth to Kannada" statement at the Thug Life event in Chennai.

Kamal Haasan shares photos with Mani Ratnam

Let us tell you that Kamal Haasan posted a monochrome photo with Mani Ratnam on social media. Sharing this post, he wrote, "Happy birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, we have traveled together through time - as colleagues, family, co-dreamers and above all, lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength - a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul that is deeply connected to the language of film like few others. May your stories continue to unfold, because with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty and meaning to cinema. Forever your friend, Kamal Haasan".

What is the Kamal Haasan controversy?

The controversy started when Kamal Haasan, while speaking at the event, greeted the audience with the Tamil phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizh" (which means "my life and my soul are Tamil"). Kamal Haasan's statement did not go down well with pro-Kannada organisations in Karnataka. However, the South megastar has clearly stated that he will apologise only if he feels he is wrong. As the controversy escalated, he urged others not to tamper with his lifestyle. The actor said in an interview, "If I am wrong, I will apologise. If I am not wrong, I will not. This is my lifestyle, please do not tamper with it." He added, "India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice."

A protest was held outside the cinema

On Sunday, members of a pro-Kannada group called Karnataka Rakshana Vedike protested outside Victory Cinema in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru. They asked the theatre not to screen Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life. The group's leader Praveen Shetty warned theatre owners not to release the film, saying Kamal Haasan had insulted the Kannada language. Following the protest, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce also banned the film's release in the state.

Thug Life will be released on 5 June

Thug Life is Kamal's first collaboration with Mani Ratnam in 37 years after Nayakan. It also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj. Thug Life is set to release worldwide on June 5.

Read also:

• Ashi Singh on 'Uff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil': Story & Presentation Are Truly Unique
• Divya 2.0: Subhanshi Raghuwanshi’s Transformation Is the Talk of Zee TV’s Vasudha
• Mumbai Rains Halt Shoot of Ranbir-Alia-Vicky's Film Love & War, Makers Troubled
• Smita Bansal Exits Bhagya Lakshmi: Bids Emotional Goodbye After 4-Year Journey

Tags : ar rahman mani ratnam | bombay mani ratnam | Directed by Mani Ratnam | Mani Ratnam Thug Life | mani ratnam film | AR Rahman Thug Life | bhuvan bam thug life | Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' Release Date | Kamal Haasan Thug Life | Rohit Saraf Thug Life Movie | Thug Life first look | Thug Life movie | Thug Life official trailer | 'Thug Life' OTT Release Details | Thug Life trailer | Thug Life update