India, June 3 -- Hearing Kamal Haasan's plea seeking the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka amid a row triggered by his remark on Kannada, the Karnataka high court on Tuesday observed that language is connected to the sentiments of the people and a public figure must refrain from making such remarks. Referring to Hassan's comment that Kannada originated from Tamil, the court, in a strongly phrased question, asked if Haasan had remarked in his capacity as a historian or a linguist.

"The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement... The people of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection," the high court was quoted as saying by Live Law.

The Karnataka Film...