WHEN KAMAL HAASAN CHANGED HIS MOVIE'S TITLE AFTER FINDING NO SUPPORT FROM JAYALALITHAA

During a controversy over the movie name Sandiyar, Kamal Haasan tried to meet the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa hoping to sort out the issue, however, she did not grant him an audience immediately

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On May 29, 2025, while some Kannada activists had just stepped up attacks on versatile actor Kamal Haasan for his controversial remark that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada”, the Thug Life star faced a mild salvo in his home State, Tamil Nadu.

Puthiya Tamilagam party founder K. Krishnasamy objected to the film's title. The politician contended that the term “Thugs” has been used historically to describe criminals, violent rogues and gangsters. The “Thugs and Pindaris” were violent criminal gangs during the 18th and 19th century, he said adding, naming a film with the title 'Thug' in a way glorifies such rogue way of life. Therefore, he urged the actor to avoid naming his upcoming film Thug Life.

Mr. Krishnasamy's appeal had little resonance. But, there was a time when opposition from him had forced the actor to change the original title of his film.

In the summer of May 2003, when the actor's name was spelt Kamal Hassan, he had unveiled his next venture with much fanfare in Madurai - Sandiyar. The film's posters featured an aruval (machete).

Mr. Krishnaswami objected to the title and accused the actor-producer of trying to inculcate an aruval culture in Tamil Nadu. He wanted Hassan to abandon the project. “I will lead the agitation against the shooting of this controversial movie,” he declared.

of Thug Life in Karnataka, trade analysts expect 7% loss in total gross revenue

The film’s shooting was halted. Initially, the actor tried to meet the then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa hoping to sort out the issue. However, she did not grant him an audience immediately.