The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued a notice to the Karnataka government over an alleged extra-constitutional ban on the screening of Thug Life, a film directed by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan. The decision comes in response to a writ petition filed by Bengaluru resident M. Mahesh Reddy, who claimed that despite the film receiving clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), its theatrical release in Karnataka has been obstructed by unofficial police orders and oral government instructions. A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan has sought responses from the Chief Secretary, the Principal Secretary (Home), and the Director General of Police, and scheduled the matter for further hearing on June 17.
The controversy erupted after Kamal Haasan, during the film’s audio launch, remarked that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” which led to widespread outrage in Karnataka. This linguistic assertion prompted several extremist groups to demand a ban on the movie, threatening violence and even calling for cinema halls to be set ablaze. The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate A. Velan, argued that the Karnataka government has “completely capitulated” to these elements, enabling a wave of intimidation that violates citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech (Article 19(1)(a)) and freedom to practice any profession (Article 19(1)(g)). The petition also warns that this climate of fear could trigger communal unrest reminiscent of past anti-Tamil riots in the state.
Raaj Kamal Films International, the film’s production house, had previously approached the Karnataka High Court seeking protection for the film’s release. However, the court suggested that Kamal Haasan issue a public apology to defuse tensions — a suggestion the actor-politician firmly rejected. Consequently, the film’s release in Karnataka has been indefinitely delayed. The ongoing legal tussle now underscores deeper challenges involving linguistic identity, freedom of artistic expression, and the state’s responsibility to uphold constitutional values against extremist pressures.
