Kamal Haasan files Rajya Sabha nomination after postponement linked to Kannada language controversy

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has formally entered the Rajya Sabha race from Tamil Nadu by submitting his nomination papers on Friday. The MNM (Makkal Needhi Maiam) leader arrived at the State Secretariat in Chennai accompanied by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior political figures to complete the nomination process for the June 19 elections.

Also Read:Kamal Haasan moves High Court for ‘Thug Life’ release amidst Kannada language row

The filing was initially expected to take place earlier in the week but was deferred. According to political insiders, the brief delay was influenced by concerns over recent public backlash. Haasan had drawn strong criticism after stating at a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life that “Kannada evolved from Tamil.” The remark triggered anger among Kannada activists, resulting in protests and calls to boycott the film in Karnataka.

Following the outrage, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce intervened and put a hold on the film’s release in the state. Haasan refused to retract his statement or apologise, stating his words were misinterpreted. In court, he later informed the Karnataka High Court that Thug Life would not be screened in Karnataka for now.

Haasan’s candidacy for the Rajya Sabha seat is part of a pre-arranged political understanding with the DMK. As part of their alliance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK had promised a Rajya Sabha seat to Haasan in exchange for MNM’s support. On May 28, DMK officially announced him as one of their three candidates for the upcoming election to fill six seats from Tamil Nadu.