Supreme Court clears Kamal Haasan's ‘Thug Life’ for release in Karnataka

New Delhi

The Supreme Court has directed that actor Kamal Haasan’s film 'Thug Life' must be allowed to release in Karnataka, asserting that mob threats cannot dictate what is screened in theatres. The court delivered a stern warning, stating that it will not tolerate a situation where "gangs of goons" determine the fate of films.

The apex court bench, comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manoj Misra, was hearing a petition filed by the producers of Thug Life, who approached the court after the Karnataka High Court suggested that Kamal Haasan should apologise to defuse public anger over his recent comments on language origins.

Kamal Haasan’s statement suggesting that “Tamil and Kannada languages share roots” had triggered backlash, with several Kannada groups calling for a boycott of the film. In response, the High Court proposed reconciliation through a public apology.

Challenging this, the film's producers moved the Supreme Court, which questioned the High Court's stance and criticised the Karnataka government for yielding to pressure from fringe groups.

“The rule of law must prevail,” the Supreme Court said, emphasizing that a CBFC-certified film must be allowed to release, regardless of dissenting opinions. “We are not saying people must watch the film. But its release cannot be blocked out of fear,” the court observed.

The court made it clear that differing viewpoints do not justify banning a film. "If someone has a different opinion, let the public debate it. Let Bengaluru's informed citizens respond with logic, not threats," the bench added.

The court ordered the case to be transferred from the Karnataka High Court and instructed the state government to file its affidavit by Wednesday. The matter will be heard again on Thursday (June 20).