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Scroll.in
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
SC directs Karnataka to act against those obstructing release of Kamal Haasan's ‘Thug Life'
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take action against anybody who 'tries to forcibly obstruct the release' of the film Thug Life, starring actor and politician Kamal Haasan, reported Bar and Bench. Taking note of the state government's submission that it would provide ' full protection and security ' for the screening of Thug Life if the producers decide to release it in Karnataka, a bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan closed the public interest litigation seeking the film's screening. On June 3, Haasan's production house told the Karnataka High Court that it would not seek to release the film in the state amid a row over his remark that the Kannada language 'was born out of Tamil'. Haasan made the remarks on May 24 at the audio launch for Thug Life in Chennai, after which pro-Kannada organisations held protests demanding that he apologise for them. During the hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court voiced its disappointment with the state for yielding to pressure from certain groups who claimed their sentiments were hurt by Haasan's statements, reported Live Law. The bench said this had resulted in the stalling of artistic pursuits. 'Just because of an opinion a movie is stopped, a stand up comedian is stopped, a person is stopped from reciting a poem,' the court said, according to Bar and Bench. 'You [state] succumbed to their pressure. In such circumstances state has a duty. Simply saying ban is not imposed will take it nowhere.' It further highlighted that 'in India, there will be no end to hurt sentiments'. On Tuesday, the court criticised the Karnataka government for the 'extra-judicial ban' on the screening of the film. The bench had also said that it was the state government's responsibility to ensure the screening of any film with a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. Haasan's remarks At the audio launch in Chennai on May 24, Haasan described his bond with the Tamil language with the words: ' Uyire Urave Tamizhe [My life and my family is Tamil].' He addressed Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was at the event, and said: 'Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state… Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.' The actor's remarks sparked a furore in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike threatening to boycott his film. Members of the group tore posters of the film Thug Life in Bengaluru to protest the actor-politician's remarks. Other pro-Kannada organisations also staged protests in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi and Mysuru, demanding an apology from the actor. On May 28, Haasan sought to clarify his remarks and said: 'I think what I said was said with a lot of love. Historians have taught me the language's history… I didn't mean anything.' The film is directed by Mani Ratnam. Among its producers is Red Giant Movies, a company owned by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. The film has been dubbed in several languages, including Kannada.
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Karnataka Government files response to Supreme Court over Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' release controversy
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 19 (ANI): 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. 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. 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. (ANI)
India Today
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kamal Haasan's Thug Life won't release in Karnataka despite court order: Distributors
Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' will not release in Karnataka even after the Supreme Court's order criticising the film's ban in the state. Aravind, a Karnataka distributor, exclusively spoke to India Today, and explained why they won't go ahead with the release now. The ban was imposed on the Mani Ratnam-directorial over Haasan's 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' remark, which allegedly hurt the sentiments of Thursday, distributor Aravind of VR Films, who has secured the film for release in Karnataka, explained why he will not release 'Thug Life' in the said, "'Thug Life' will not be released in Karnataka. It's been two weeks since the film released in theatres and there are three more films that are releasing on Friday. So, we won't get enough screens and in another couple of weeks, it will release on OTT. That's the reason." Venkatesh Kamalakar, business partner of Aravind under VR Films (a firm that bought the distribution rights), reiterated that 'Thug Life' will not be screened. "The film will not be released in the state by me. It is an utter waste to release the film now after two weeks. We are completely out of it. The main business is in the first week. Now it is waste. It is not about law and order issue. The main business is gone," he however, said that Kamal Haasan's production house, "Raaj Kamal Films International, promised that they would refund us." Venkatesh also echoed Aravind's statement and said, "The picture was not released because of the comments he made. So, he has to refund back the money in full amount."Also, sources told India Today that the distributors haven't received any compensation until now. "The Karnataka distributors have approached Raj Kamal Films International (RKFI) for financial compensation and RKFI has agreed to repay, but the distributors have not received the amount so far. It's an amount running in crores," said a Aravind also added that they are not thinking about the threats issued by pro-Kannada activists nor the reviews. "No, not like that. It's not because of the reviews. Irrespective of the review, we won't get enough screens now. We are not thinking about the threats either. Supreme Court has given an order, but we are not releasing the film as of now." The Supreme Court strongly criticised Karnataka's ban on Thug Life, stating that mobs cannot dictate film screenings. They slammed the Karnataka High Court over suggestions that the actor apologise to resolve the after the Supreme Court criticised the delay in the film's release, the state clarified that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had merely issued a letter condemning Haasan's remarks and sought an apology, but no official ban was InMust Watch
NDTV
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"'Thug Life' Must Release, It Is Your Duty": Supreme Court Raps Karnataka
New Delhi: The Supreme Court hauled up the Karnataka government Thursday afternoon over threats against the screening of actor-politician Kamal Haasan 's new film ' Thug Life ' in the state. It is your duty, the top court said, to act against people who issue such threats and demanded a 'plan of action' from the state. A chastised state assured the court of action; "full protection and security" will be provided at all theatres is the film is released now, the government said. The police have now issued a notice to pro-Kannada groups, who had threatened to block the film over the actor's comment about the Kannada language. The court also Kamal Haasan need make no apology for his remark - as demanded by protesters - and lamented the trend of art being stymied by people who claim hurt sentiments. "We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie... a stand-up comedy should be stopped?" The actor, meanwhile, said was satisfied with the state's reply and wants to close the case. However, advocate A Velan, appearing for the original petitioner, opposed the closure request, arguing for guidelines and criminal proceedings against those who had issued the threats. The original petitioner, a Mahesh Reddy, approached the Supreme Court last week; this was after the Karnataka High Court refused to direct the state to ensure the release of 'Thug Life' is not blocked. The movie was to have opened in Karnataka on June 5 but has been mired in controversy over Kamal Haasan's comment about the Kannada language being "born out of Tamil". The remark, at an event in Chennai, triggered fury, particularly among pro-Kannada groups. Those groups demanded an apology, but Kamal Haasan refused to oblige; he said his comment had been misunderstood and that he respects the Kannada language. He also pointed to his fundamental rights while sources close to him said "there can be no... apology in a gunpoint situation". NDTV Exclusive | In Language Row, Kamal Haasan's 'No Apology At Gunpoint' As the controversy spiralled, Kannada movie theatre bodies, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, made not-so-subtle threats against the screening of 'Thug Life'. The KFCC had said then the movie would not be allowed to screen in Karnataka without an apology, but has now told the Supreme Court it acted under pressure and had no objections to the film's release. Kamal Haasan moved the High Court but found no relief. Instead, the High Court reprimanded the actor and urged him to make that apology. "You are not an ordinary man," the court said of the 70-year-old superstar, who is set to become a Rajya Sabha MP. However, Kamal Haasan refused to apologise and withdrew the film from Karnataka. The original petitioner then approached the Supreme Court, which issued notice to the state government and transferred the case to itself. On Tuesday the court said the rule of law mandates a person must be able to release his film... a film with a CBFC (Censor Board of Film Certification)..." The court also warned the state it could not allow "mobs and vigilante groups take over..."
NDTV
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ready To Give Protection To 'Thug Life' Makers, Karnataka Tells Supreme Court
New Delhi: As a bitter language row threatens the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life in Karnataka, the state government has informed the Supreme Court that it is ready to extend security to the makers of the movie and its cast. The filmmakers, however, are reluctant to release the movie in the state two weeks after it hit the screens worldwide. "In the event producers of the film decide to release the movie in Karnataka, the State Government is duty bound and will give protection and security for such release and for the people connected therewith, including the cast, director, producers, the exhibitors, and the audience," the state government said in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court. The state government's response came after the court cleared the movie's release in Karnataka two days ago. The matter will be heard later today. Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, faced protests from pro-Kannada groups over Mr Hassan's controversial remarks at an event last month that "Kannada was born out of Tamil." Facing protests by pro-Kannada groups, the ace actor claimed his remark was "misunderstood" and "taken out of context". He refused to apologise and went to court after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce threatened not to allow his movie's release in Karnataka. The film was released worldwide on June 5 but has not been screened in Karnataka so far. Venkatesh Kamalakar, the film's distributor in Karnataka, told PTI that it does not make sense to release the film now since Mr Hassan's remarks had hurt the sentiments of the Kannadigas. It may not be a good business decision to release it now, he said. His reluctance followed the Supreme Court's strong remarks that the rule of law allows a person to release his film with a censor board certificate. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had then appealed to Kannada activists to respect the court's decision and not take the law into their hands. "We have to abide by the Supreme Court order with honour. Everyone has limitations. I appeal to various organisations that we must have our limitations...I appeal to all the Kannada activists, please be calm, we should respect the court," he had said.
