Movie News
The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the Karnataka government over issues surrounding the release of superstar Kamal Haasan’s film ‘Thug Life’. Some groups in Karnataka had earlier announced their intention to block the film’s release, citing past controversial remarks by Kamal Haasan about the Kannada language.
Taking up a petition alleging threats to theaters and attempts to prevent the film’s screening in Karnataka, the Supreme Court expressed severe displeasure at the state’s handling of the situation.
“If mobs and unruly elements take to the streets and try to stop a film that has received certification from the Censor Board, we will not allow that. Every certified film must be allowed to release,” the bench, comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan, stated during the hearing.
The court has directed the Karnataka government to respond by tomorrow, emphasizing that law and order cannot be compromised under pressure from external groups.
Previously, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had called for a ban on the film due to Kamal Haasan’s remarks. The film unit approached the Karnataka High Court, which suggested that the issue could be resolved if Kamal offered an apology — something he reportedly refused to do, escalating the matter to the Supreme Court.
The apex court has now ordered the pending Karnataka High Court case to be transferred to itself, aiming for a unified and lawful resolution.
Film industry sources claim that the release hurdles in Karnataka have affected box office collections, but the Supreme Court’s intervention has now opened the door for a possible statewide release of Thug Life.
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