Producers Of Kamal Haasan Starrer 'Thug Life' Move Karnataka High Court Seeking Directions Against Ban On Film's Release

A petition has been filed in the Karnataka High Court, seeking a direction to prevent the respondents including Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, from taking any measures, directly or indirectly that would restrain/restrict the exhibition of the Kamal Haasan-starrer film "Thug Life" in all languages in the State of Karnataka. The film is slated to be released on June 5.

The petition filed by Raajkamal Films International, the production house, claims that action of the 5th Respondent, (Film Chamber) infringes on the petitioner's rights guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution of India. The film "Thug Life", is co-produced by the petitioner and despite obtaining the requisite certification under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, it is sought to be banned for release in the State of Karnataka.

The plea states that it is aggrieved by the order/decision of the 5th Respondent banning the release and distribution of the film, "Thug Life" in the State of Karnataka which has been communicated to the petitioners and the public at large by way of press release or media statement and on the basis of which it appears that there will be forcible restraints placed on exhibitors exhibiting the film within the State of Karnataka.

Further, the inaction on the part of the concerned State authorities to implement security measures to ensure peaceful release and distribution of the Petitioners' film "Thug Life" within the State of Karnataka.

The plea states that the said Film is a work-of-art that has been painstakingly crafted over several years, and marks the second feature film collaboration between two doyens of the Indian film industry, Mr. Kamal Haasan and Mr. Mani Ratnam, after the 1987 film 'Nayagan'. Expectations have been rife that a second collaboration between these two artists would produce a similar impactful work of art with cineastes across India, including in Karnataka, eagerly awaiting its release.

Further it is said that impugned decision of KFCC and the consequent press statement has been made pursuant to a misconstrued statement taken out of a longer statement made by Mr. Kamal Haasan and where it is in a completely different context is paraphrased as "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during the audio launch of "Thug Life" at Chennai.

It is also said that Kamal Haasan has subsequently clarified that he made the comments only out of love and affection, to demonstrate the camaraderie between Tamilians and Kannadigas, and that he believes love will always triumph.

The plea says that the action of the respondents in proclaiming a ban on the release of the said film "Thug Life" in the State of Karnataka is illegal and ultra vires.

A direction is sought to the authorities to take appropriate steps and to provide necessary security to the director, producers, cast and others associated with the making of the film "Thug Life"; the exhibitors, theater owners and other places which Screen the film; and the audience members and movie goers and public at large, and to provide appropriate security wherever and whenever necessary to ensure uninterrupted exhibition of the Film on date of release, i.e.. 5 June 2025 and all subsequent days Screening.