The Supreme Court has thrown a lifeline to the embattled release of Thug Life, the Kamal Haasan-starrer that’s become a lightning rod for controversy in Karnataka. On Friday, the top court asked the State government to explain why the certified film is unable to see the light of a projector, as threats swirl and cinema halls go dark.
Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan issued notice after a plea flagged what it called an unofficial yet effective blackout on the film, enforced not by law but by intimidation. Despite having the Central Board of Film Certification’s nod, Thug Life has reportedly been cornered by threats of violence, with cinema owners too afraid to screen it.
Petitioner M Mahesh Reddy of Bengaluru told the Court that Karnataka authorities had surrendered to fringe elements. “One theatre was seized while women and children were inside. Not a single FIR was filed. The management fled,” his counsel argued.
The controversy erupted after Haasan remarked that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” — a statement that sparked fury in pro-Kannada circles and triggered calls for a boycott. Threats turned theatrical when KRV President T.A. Narayana Gowda allegedly warned of setting theatres ablaze if Haasan’s film played. One online post went further, calling for a 1991-style anti-Tamil riot rerun.
Victory Cinema in Bengaluru, one of the few willing to screen the film, reportedly became ground zero for protests, with KRV members laying siege to the premises on June 1. Days later, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce declared a so-called “ban” under pressure, the plea stated.
Reddy claimed the producers tried seeking protection from the Karnataka High Court, but instead of securing their constitutional rights, the discussion drifted toward whether Haasan ought to apologise. The actor, for his part, declined, saying he was in talks with the film chamber.
The petitioner slammed the proceedings as a diversion from the core issue — a chilling violation of free speech and public order — and argued the High Court had turned ineffective.
The apex court’s notice may now decide whether Thug Life gets to live another day — on screen and on its own terms.
