Thug Life controversy: SC directs Karnataka govt to take action against those obstructing Kamal Haasan's new movie release

Time of India

6 hours ago

Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government to take appropriate action against any person or groups who may attempt to forcibly obstruct the release of 'Thug Life', under the criminal and civil law. The Court disposed of the matter after satisfying itself of the submissions made by all parties before it, regarding the issue.
The hearing was based on a petition filed by a Bengaluru resident seeking the release of the film in Karnataka. The Supreme Court had on June 17 held that it is the duty of the state to ensure that a film is released in theatres once it gets a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate.
The Karnataka government has filed its response before the Supreme Court concerning the ongoing controversy over the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in the state.
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In its affidavit, the state government clarified that it has not imposed any restrictions on the film's release and has assured to provide the necessary protection and security if the producers decide to screen the movie in Karnataka.
The government further confirmed that it would ensure the safety of those involved in the film's release, provided the producers choose to go ahead with the screening.
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However, the government noted that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the apex body of the Kannada film industry, had written to Kamal Haasan, requesting an apology for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language.
In the letter, the KFCC had expressed concerns over Haasan's comments that the Kannada language "originated" from Tamil, which led to protests by various pro-Kannada groups.
The matter is scheduled to be heard before the Supreme Court today, June 19.
On June 18, Praveen Shetty, President of the pro-Kannada organisation
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike
, clarified that his group was not opposed to the release of 'Thug Life'.
However, he reiterated that Kamal Haasan should have apologized for his remarks regarding the Kannada language, as per the Karnataka High Court's recommendation.
Shetty emphasised that the controversy arose from Haasan's statement that Kannada had evolved from Tamil.
He said, "We are not opposing the release of Thug Life. It was a simple issue. After hurting the sentiments of Karnataka by saying that the Kannada language has been born out of Tamil, he should have apologised as per the suggestions given by the Karnataka High Court. But since he went to the Supreme Court, we accept the order of the court."
Despite the protests, Shetty also stated that curbing activism through the deployment of police was against the Constitution and the rule of law.
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, urged pro-Kannada organizations to abide by the Supreme Court's order regarding the release of the film.
The court had directed the state government to ensure the screening of Thug Life, despite the ongoing protests.
"We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations that we should not cross our limits and should be peaceful. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state is a peace-loving state," said Shivakumar, addressing concerns of escalating tensions.
Protests had erupted in Karnataka after Haasan's remarks, with several organisations calling for a boycott of the film. The controversy over Haasan's comments regarding the Kannada language has led to an ongoing clash between the actor's supporters and pro-Kannada groups.
Karnataka distributor against release
The Karnataka distributor of actor Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug life' on Wednesday said he won't release the flick in the state now, despite a favourable court order as he believes it won't do good business two weeks after its release across India.
'But mostly it is because it is not a good business decision to release the film now. His previous film 'Indian 2' also did not do well here in Karnataka,' said Kamalakar, the distributor of the film in Karnataka,, told news agency PTI.
On Wednesday, Bengaluru Police posted notices on the houses of several pro Kannada activists. They informed the activists that they are not allowed to protest anywhere other than the designated protest site of Freedom Park.
But Praveen Shetty, one of the very vocal protesters of the statement, and who has his own faction of Kannada Rakshana Vedike, had allegedly refused to accept the notice as well as responsibility for any protests.
Earlier, speaking to PTI Videos, Shetty had said that he is yet to receive the notice from the police.
'But Kannadigas will not surely watch that film,' he added.