Bengaluru: Despite the Supreme Court's recent clearance for the theatrical release of Kamal Haasan’s film ‘Thug Life’, the film’s Karnataka distributor has opted against releasing it in the state, citing poor business prospects and public sentiment.

Court permits release amidst language row

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court allowed the release of ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka, stressing that once a film has received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it is the duty of the state to ensure its smooth release in theatres.

The court was responding to a petition filed by a Bengaluru resident requesting the film’s release in Karnataka.

“Not a profitable decision now,” says distributor

However, distributor Venkatesh Kamalakar announced on Wednesday that he would not proceed with the release. Speaking to the media, he explained that the delay, nearly two weeks after the film’s nationwide release, makes it a poor business move.

“But mostly it is because it is not a good business decision to release the film now. His previous film ‘Indian 2’ also did not do well here in Karnataka,” Kamalakar said.

He added that while Haasan’s earlier film Vikram performed well in the state, the actor does not have a loyal fan base in Karnataka that would watch his films unconditionally.

“When it comes to his films, the success depends on how good it is. Thug Life is generally considered as not a good film by many. So, it is too risky,” he stated.

Advance payment unlikely to be an issue

Industry sources revealed that the distributor had already paid around ₹9 crore as advance for the film. Kamalakar did not confirm the exact amount but said he did not anticipate difficulty in recovering it.

“It is not like it is our fault. Things turned out the way it did and when there is no profit, which theatre owner will agree to showcase the film?” he asked.

Protests despite Supreme Court direction

Meanwhile, protests against the film continue in Karnataka, largely stemming from Kamal Haasan’s controversial remarks about the Kannada language. Several pro-Kannada organisations have reportedly warned theatre owners not to screen the film.

On Wednesday, Bengaluru Police served notices at the residences of multiple Kannada activists, instructing them not to protest anywhere other than the designated location at Freedom Park.

However, Praveen Shetty, a vocal critic and leader of his own faction of the Kannada Rakshana Vedike, allegedly refused to accept the police notice or take responsibility for any demonstrations. Speaking to media earlier, Shetty stated he had not yet received the notice but added, “But Kannadigas will not surely watch that film.”

Police from the R T Nagar station, which has jurisdiction over Shetty’s residence, eventually posted the notice outside his house.

(Agency inputs)