Bengaluru: Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president M Narasimhalu on Monday said that no theatres in the state would screen the film Thug Life, despite actor Kamal Haasan’s production house seeking legal protection for its release.

Narasimhalu’s remarks came in response to reports that the film’s co-producer, Raaj Kamal Films International, had approached the Karnataka High Court for security arrangements to ensure a smooth release.

Not merely a film issue, says KFCC

Speaking to media, Narasimhalu said the KFCC came to know of the court petition only through media reports.

“We will also consult our legal team. This is not just a film industry issue; it has become a matter of state pride and language identity. We have received a letter from the government regarding this. People across Karnataka, including pro-Kannada organisations, politicians, and the public, have demanded an apology. Let them go to court. We have not done anything unlawful. No theatre here will screen the film,” he said.

Distributors await Kamal Haasan’s response

Narasimhalu added that local distributors had informed him they would reach a decision on Tuesday after speaking to Haasan, who is currently in Dubai promoting Thug Life.

“After talking to him, they will inform us of their decision. We will also consider the legal move and then decide,” he said. He also noted that the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce had attempted to contact Haasan.

Court petition follows KFCC’s ban call

Kamal Haasan moved the Karnataka High Court on Monday seeking protection to facilitate the release of Thug Life in the state.

The legal move follows the KFCC’s recent decision to block the film’s release unless Haasan issued a public apology for his earlier remarks suggesting that the Kannada language evolved from Tamil.

The actor-politician later clarified that his statement was made out of love and that “love will never apologise”.

PTI inputs