The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday cautioned actor-politician Kamal Haasan against misusing his right to free speech in a manner that may offend public sentiment. The court's remarks came in response to Haasan's recent statement claiming that the Kannada language was "born out of Tamil," which has triggered widespread backlash in Karnataka.

"You are not an ordinary man," the court told the 70-year-old actor, who is likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha with support from Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK. "You have the right to free speech, but not to hurt public sentiment. That right is not absolute."

Drawing attention to the impact such remarks could have on public perception and business, the court said, "Crores can be earned from Karnataka, but if you don’t respect the people, then leave the revenue. You can’t unscramble scrambled eggs... if you’ve hurt anyone, apologise."

The court was hearing a petition requesting authorities, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), not to obstruct the release of Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life, which is scheduled to premiere Thursday.

The KFCC had announced a ban on the film’s release in Karnataka unless Haasan issued an apology. Its president, MM Narasimhulu, said the actor’s refusal to retract his statement made the film's release unacceptable.

Haasan, however, maintained on Friday that he would not apologise unless he believed his comments were wrong. “This is a democracy and I believe in law and justice,” he said.

The controversy erupted during a Chennai event promoting Thug Life, where Haasan, referring to Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, remarked, “Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included.” The statement sparked strong reactions, particularly from the Karnataka BJP, with state party chief B.S. Yediyurappa accusing Haasan of insulting Kannada.