New Delhi, June 13, 2025

 The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the State of Karnataka to respond to a petition challenging the alleged suppression of the Tamil film ‘Thug Life’, following protests and threats from pro-Kannada groups. The film, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, has been withheld from screening in most parts of Karnataka, despite having received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

 

A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan issued notice on the petition filed by Mahesh Reddy, who claimed that the film’s release was being stalled by extra-legal threats and political pressure, not through any formal government ban.

 

 

 

In his plea, Reddy argued that the state machinery had failed to protect the rights of filmmakers and exhibitors against mob censorship. The petition specifically refers to threats issued by fringe Kannada outfits following Kamal Haasan’s remarks at the film’smusic launch, where he reportedly stated that “Kannada originated from Tamil.”

 

Although the actor clarified later that his comments were taken out of context, widespread protests ensued. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) reportedly advised theatres against screening the film to avoid backlash, effectively stalling the film’s release without any official order.

 

“Ban Without Notification” Raises Constitutional Questions

 

The petitioner contended that the absence of a formal ban and reliance on fear-driven compliance violates fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) — the rights to free speech and trade. The plea seeks court directions to ensure lawful release of the film, and to instruct police authorities to provide protection to cinema owners willing to screen it.

 

The apex court has given the Karnataka government time till June 17 to file its reply. The matter will be taken up again thereafter. No interim relief was granted at this stage, but the court made it clear that constitutional freedoms cannot be compromised based on perceived offence alone.