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Kannada Sahitya Parishat seeks to join petition against Kamal film release

Kannada Sahitya Parishat seeks to join petition against Kamal film release

Time of India05-06-2025
Bengaluru: The Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP), has filed an impleading application before the high court in connection with a petition filed by Chennai-based Raajkamal Films International, producer of the Kamal Haasan-starrer 'Thug Life'.
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Opposing the plea for police protection sought by the production house for the film's release in Karnataka, KSP, through its president Mahesh Joshi, argued that the Constitution does not grant absolute protection to speech, especially when it is likely to disturb public harmony or hurt the dignity of a language and its people.
Referring to Kamal's controversial remark that Kannada originated from Tamil, KSP called it an intentional or reckless statement that undermines the status of Kannada.
The apex body for Kannada literature also stated that the actor has not issued a formal apology or made any sincere attempt to clarify his stand.
In its filing, KSP contended that police resources should not be used to protect commercial interests. It added that public protests, boycott calls, or expressions of anger over the film are all part of democratic expression, and do not automatically amount to unlawful threats that merit state protection.
"The very Constitution the petitioner invokes to seek protection also allows peaceful dissent and criticism. To oppose a film is not to endanger law and order," KSP said.
On June 3, the court adjourned the hearing after the filmmakers assured that 'Thug Life' would not be released in Karnataka until a dialogue is held with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). The matter is now posted to June 13 for further hearing.
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