The Supreme Court recorded Karnataka assurance to provide security for the release of Thug Life by Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, emphasizing the rule of law. Amid controversy over Kamal Haasan’s remarks, the court warned against mob interference and upheld the CBFC-certified film’s right to be screened.
The Supreme Court of India has recorded the Karnataka government’s formal assurance to provide “protection and security” for the theatrical release of Thug Life, a much-anticipated film directed by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam and starring iconic actor Kamal Haasan. The ruling came amidst ongoing tensions and protests that threatened to derail the movie’s scheduled screenings in Karnataka.
A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan made it unequivocally clear that the rule of law must prevail. They directed the Karnataka government to take strict legal action against any individual or group attempting to obstruct the film’s release or incite violence in the state.
The case was heard following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Bengaluru resident M. Mahesh Reddy. The petitioner alleged that despite the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearing Thug Life for release, the Karnataka government had, through oral directions and police interference, effectively imposed an “extra-judicial ban” on the movie.
The controversy originated during the film’s audio launch event, where Kamal Haasan’s statement claiming that “Kannada is born out of Tamil” stirred a storm in Karnataka. The remark triggered backlash across political and cultural circles. Haasan’s refusal to issue an unqualified apology further escalated tensions, resulting in mounting pressure on local theatre owners and stakeholders to refrain from screening the movie.
In response to the PIL, the Karnataka Home Department filed an affidavit denying the imposition of any official restriction on the movie’s release. The affidavit emphasized the state’s constitutional duty to uphold law and order and protect the rights of all citizens, including filmmakers and cinema-goers.
“The State Government has not imposed any restriction on the release of the film Thug Life. If the producers decide to release it in Karnataka, the State will ensure adequate protection and security for the cast, crew, producers, exhibitors, and the audience,” the affidavit read. It reiterated the state’s responsibility in preserving the “Rule of Law” and safeguarding the fundamental rights of all parties involved.
The Supreme Court, expressing deep concern over growing mob influence in such matters, warned against allowing vigilante groups to hijack lawful processes. Justice Bhuyan emphasized, “Rule of law demands that any film which has a CBFC certificate must be released, and the state government has to ensure its screening. It can’t be that, at the threat of burning down cinemas, the film can’t be released.”
Rebuking the informal suppression of the film, the bench underlined that no authority or group has the right to impose an extra-legal ban or threaten violence to stop a lawful activity.
“We cannot allow mobs and vigilante groups to take over the streets. The rule of law must prevail,” Justice Bhuyan reiterated firmly.
The court’s remarks come at a critical juncture, as India’s film industry continues to grapple with increasing instances of intimidation and unofficial bans tied to political or cultural sensitivities.
Thug Life—billed as a high-profile collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam—has generated substantial buzz nationally, both for its cinematic value and the sociopolitical controversies surrounding its release. The Supreme Court’s intervention ensures that Karnataka audiences will not be denied access to the film due to threats or unlawful intimidation.
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The court has made it clear that certification by the CBFC is legally sufficient to allow any film’s public exhibition. The responsibility of protecting that right lies squarely with the state government. The Karnataka government, through its affidavit and verbal assurance, has now committed to upholding this legal mandate.
As the film gears up for its theatrical release in Karnataka, attention will remain fixed on whether the assurances given by the state will translate into peaceful and uninterrupted screenings across its cinema halls.
