Kamal Haasan’s controversial moments: From 'Hindu terror' comment to Vishwaroopam controversy

For decades, Kamal Haasan has been more than just a legendary actor. He is a filmmaker, politician, philosopher, and provocateur—never afraid to voice his opinions, even when they land him in deep water. Known for pushing cinematic and societal boundaries, Haasan’s statements and creative choices have frequently triggered outrage, protests, and fierce debates. While many admire his fearlessness, others see his remarks as polarising, especially in a country as culturally and religiously diverse as India.

From language disputes to religious views, Haasan has often found himself at the center of controversy. Here's a timeline tracing some of the most high profile and debated moments from his public life.

Vishwaroopam Sparks Religious Protests

One of Kamal Haasan’s biggest early controversies came with the release of Vishwaroopam. Muslim groups objected to the film’s depiction of Islamic characters, calling it offensive. The Tamil Nadu government temporarily banned the movie, leading Haasan to express his anguish publicly, even stating he might have to leave Tamil Nadu. After legal battles and negotiations, the film was released with minor edits and went on to win national awards. The episode, however, raised critical questions about freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in Indian cinema.

“I Am a Rationalist, Not an Atheist”

Haasan’s personal beliefs often draw scrutiny. In multiple interviews, including one with WION and another during his political debut in 2018, he clarified his philosophical position by saying, “I’m not an atheist, I am a rationalist.” This comment was seen by some as distancing himself from religion. Critics have also accused him of being anti Hindu, particularly after his earlier remarks criticizing religious extremism. Haasan responded by saying he is not an enemy of any faith and respects all religions equally. His rationalist stance, however, continues to be both admired and challenged.

“Hindu Terror Exists”

Kamal Haasan courted serious controversy when he wrote in a Tamil magazine that right wing Hindu extremism was becoming increasingly dangerous. The phrase “Hindu terror” ignited backlash from BJP leaders and Hindu groups, who accused him of demonizing an entire faith. Legal complaints were filed, and calls to boycott him began trending online. Haasan defended himself by stating he was only speaking against extremism, not Hinduism itself.

Sanatan Dharma and Anti Tradition Remarks

In recent years, Haasan’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma triggered intense criticism once again. He said that “only education can defeat Sanatan Dharma,” a comment that many interpreted as anti traditional or anti Hindu. Some critics accused him of supporting the eradication of centuries old belief systems. He was even issued a death threat by a television actor. Despite the uproar, Haasan stood by his statement, framing it as a call for reform and rational thinking rather than an attack on faith.

Kannada Tamil Language Row

At an audio launch for Thug Life, Kamal Haasan stated that Kannada was born from Tamil. The comment sparked uproar in Karnataka, where several pro Kannada groups protested, burned his posters, and demanded a formal apology. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce threatened to block the release of Thug Life in the state. Even the Karnataka High Court weighed in, questioning his authority to comment on linguistic history. Haasan later clarified that his words were meant affectionately and not intended to belittle Kannada. Nevertheless, the controversy intensified the cultural fault lines between linguistic regions.

Kamal Haasan has never played it safe, not in cinema, and certainly not in public life. Haasan has consistently shown that he is unafraid of the backlash his views might provoke. While many hail him as a fearless intellectual and cultural reformist, others view his provocations as unnecessary or divisive.

What remains undisputed, however, is that Kamal Haasan's voice, loved or loathed, continues to matter. In a nation constantly negotiating the balance between tradition and change, figures like him serve as lightning rods for dialogue, dissent, and occasionally, disruption.