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Informist, Thursday, Jun. 19, 2025

 

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take action against individuals or groups who forcibly try to obstruct the release of "Thug Life" movie in the state. The court's direction came after the state government clarified that it has not imposed any restriction on the film's release and assured to provide the necessary protection and security if the producers decide to screen the movie in Karnataka.

 

"There is no end to hurt sentiments in India. If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt and there is vandalism...Where are we heading?" said a bench of Justices Manmohan and Ujjal Bhuyan. "We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped? A stand-up comedy should be stopped? Recital of a poem should be stopped?” the bench asked.

 

Meanwhile on Wednesday, according to reports, 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." Aravind, partner of Kamalakar, on Thursday, said he won't release the movie in the state as there were three more films to be released on Friday and Thug Life would not get enough screens.

 

The movie was released on Jun. 5 across India, except in Karnataka. According to media reports, there are 37 cinemas of PVR INOX Ltd in Karnataka, with a total of 219 screens. Recently, PVR INOX was heavily promoting the film through its social media handles. 

 

The top court was hearing a public interest litigation by a Bengaluru resident Mahesh Reddy seeking directions to allow screening of "Thug Life", an action drama film on a gangster, directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote the script with Kamal Haasan. The film was not released in Karnataka after certain groups issued threats against its screening following the remarks of Haasan, who had also acted in the movie. Speaking at an audio launch of his film, Haasan had remarked that Kannada language had originated from Tamil. 

 

Thereafter, a pro-Kannada organisation, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike accused Haasan of belittling the Kannada language and threatened action against him and his upcoming film. Even Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Kannada language has a very long history, and Haasan was unaware of it. 

 

The film's producer moved the Karnataka High Court for restraining Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, its office bearers and other organisations from issuing statements or taking any actions that directly or indirectly obstruct or call for a ban on the film. However, the high court refused any relief to the producer and asked whether Haasan ought to render an apology for his alleged remarks concerning the Kannada language. When the case reached the top court on Tuesday, it expressed disapproval of the high court's statement to ask Haasan to apologise for his remarks. "It is none of the business of the High Court," the top court remarked.

 

The top court had said that the rule of law demands that any film cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification should be allowed to be screened, and "mobs and vigilante groups" cannot be allowed to "take over our streets". The apex court had directed the state government to uphold the "rule of law" and ensure the film's smooth release.

 

On Thursday, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce said they did not issue any threats and are not against screening of the movie, they only wrote a letter to the producer informing about the protests. "We issued a letter, saying that there were widespread protests and kindly consider issuing an apology," said the Karnataka Film Chamber. Kannada Sahitya Parishad said that the movie should be released subject to an apology by the actor. "Where is the question of apology?" Justice Bhuyan asked. "You cannot take the law into your hands. If you are hurt by the statements, then file a defamation case," said the top court.

 

At 1506 IST, shares of PVR INOX were up 1.2% at INR 963.85 on the National Stock Exchange.  End

 

IST, or Indian Standard Time, is five-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT

 

Reported by Surya Tripathi

Edited by Vandana Hingorani

 

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