The Karnataka government assured the court that strict criminal action would be taken against anyone engaging in violence or issuing threats.
Published Jun 19, 2025 | 4:16 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2025 | 4:16 PM
A poster of the film 'Thug Life'. (X)
Synopsis: The Supreme Court ordered the Karnataka government to provide full protection for the release of Thug Life. It also directed that any individual or group engaging in violence must face criminal action. With these directions, the court disposed of the case. The issue arose after several pro- Kannada organizations objected to the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, citing Kamal Haasan’s earlier comment that “the Kannada language originated from Tamil.”
In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday, 19 June, has permitted the release of actor Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life in Karnataka and directed the state government to provide full security during its release.
The issue arose after several pro- Kannada organizations objected to the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, citing Kamal Haasan’s earlier comment that “the Kannada language originated from Tamil.”
Following these protests, the film was not released in the state, prompting the film’s producers and individuals associated with it to approach the Supreme Court seeking a directive to allow the release and ensure adequate protection.
The petition was heard by a special vacation bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.
During the latest hearing, the counsel appearing on behalf of the film’s producers informed the court that the Karnataka government had submitted an affidavit promising to provide security for the film’s release. The producers expressed satisfaction with this assurance.
When the judges asked whether the case could be closed, the petitioners stated that this issue is not isolated to Thug Life alone. They pointed out that with every new film release, such objections and violent threats continue, causing financial losses and delays. They requested the court to issue broader guidelines to address such recurring disruptions.
In response, the counsel representing the Karnataka government argued that it was the producers themselves who had initially decided not to release the film, and that the state was fully prepared to provide protection if they chose to go ahead with the release.
The bench strongly observed that if a film has received the appropriate censor certification, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure it is released without any threats or violence. “If anyone threatens to burn down theatres or stop the release, it is the state’s duty to take action,” the bench stated.
“Just because of an opinion a movie is stopped, a stand up comedian is stopped, a person is stopped from reciting a poem … You (State) succumbed to their pressure. In such circumstances state has a duty. Simply saying ban is not imposed will take it nowhere. You are hiding behind these groups. In India, there will be no end to hurt sentiments. Stand up comedian says something, everybody is hurt, then there is vandalism. Where are we heading?” the Court remarked according to Bar and Bench.
The Karnataka government responded immediately, assuring the court that strict criminal action would be taken against anyone engaging in violence or issuing threats.
When one of the opposing counsels claimed that Kamal Haasan’s comments were inappropriate given the sensitive Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and demanded that the actor apologize before the film could be released, the bench sternly objected.
The judges retorted, “No one asked for an apology here. If someone feels offended, they can file a contempt case or issue a public rebuttal. Resorting to violence is never acceptable. By your logic, you seem to be indirectly supporting violent protests. People say controversial things for marketing just before a film release, and by opposing it, you’re falling into that trap.”
In conclusion, the Supreme Court ordered the Karnataka government to provide full protection for the release of Thug Life. It also directed that any individual or group engaging in violence must face criminal action. With these directions, the court disposed of the case.
However, Karnataka distributor of Thug Life said that he will not release the movie.
According to an Indian Express report, Venkatesh Kamalakar, the Karnataka distributor for Thug Life, said, “I will not release the movie, and I have many reasons. I bought the Karnataka distribution rights, and today, if any movie has to earn money, it happens only within two weeks. It has been more than two weeks since the movie was released, and it has not done well even in Tamil Nadu.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
