Kamal Haasan moves High Court against ‘Thug life’ screening ban in Karnataka

Bengaluru: A legal plea has been submitted before the Karnataka High Court requesting that Kamal Haasan’s upcoming Tamil film ‘Thug Life’ be allowed to release and screen in the state without interference or disruption.

The plea follows a decision by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to boycott the film over Kamal Haasan’s recent remarks, which some interpreted as a slight against the Kannada language.

KFCC calls for boycott over language remarks

The controversy began when Kamal Haasan reportedly said that “Kannada was born from Tamil” during a promotional event in Chennai. In response, the KFCC — which represents various stakeholders in Karnataka’s film industry — announced it would not permit the release of Thug Life in the state unless Haasan issued a public apology.

The KFCC maintains that the actor’s comment hurt sentiments and undermined Kannada culture, which the body is committed to protecting and promoting.

Producers move high court to protect film release

In reaction to the KFCC’s stance, Raajkamal Films International, a co-producer of Thug Life, filed a petition before the High Court. The production house argued that Haasan’s comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.

According to them, the statement was made in good faith, aimed at highlighting the long-standing cultural bond between the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The plea points out that the remarks were made while Kamal Haasan was addressing Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, who also supported Haasan and clarified that the veteran actor has always spoken positively about Kannada.

Rs 300 crore project at stake

Raajkamal Films International emphasised that Thug Life represents a massive investment, approximately Rs 300 crore and marks a significant cinematic collaboration between Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam. The film also features Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan in lead roles, with music composed by AR Rahman.

The petition said fans across the globe, including in Karnataka, were eagerly awaiting the film’s release, and that any disruption would result in substantial financial and reputational loss.

Security and screening requests made

The production house stated that it had earlier approached state authorities, including the police, requesting security for the film’s release. However, as no action was taken, the producers decided to seek legal protection through the court.

The plea seeks three key directions from the Karnataka High Court:

• Prevent any individual, organisation (including KFCC), or authority from obstructing or delaying the release of ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka.
• Direct the state to provide adequate security to the film’s cast, crew, and exhibitors, ensuring that screenings proceed without disruption starting June 5.
• Restrain the KFCC and others from enforcing or promoting any unofficial ‘ban’ or boycott of the film.

Case yet to be heard

The court has not yet heard the matter, and a ruling is expected in the coming days as the release date draws near.