New Delhi | June 9, 2025 

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to urgently hear a petition challenging the de facto ban on the release of Thug Life, a Tamil-language film starring veteran actor Kamal Haasan, in Karnataka. The film has faced an unofficial blockade in the state following political and public backlash over Haasan’s controversial linguistic remarks.

A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan listed the matter for hearing later this week. The petition, filed by activist M. Mahesh Reddy, contends that the film has been unlawfully restricted from releasing in Karnataka despite having received a CBFC certification and nationwide release clearance.

Background: The Controversy

The dispute began when Kamal Haasan, speaking at the film’s audio launch in May, stated that “Kannada evolved from Tamil.” The comment triggered widespread protests across Karnataka, with several Kannada language organizations accusing him of disrespecting the linguistic heritage of the state.

Soon after, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) informally barred the film’s release, demanding a public apology from Haasan. Despite his clarification that the remark was based on linguistic history and had no ill intent, no apology was issued. Distributors and theatre owners subsequently withdrew from screening the film fearing public unrest, effectively blocking its release in the state.

While Thug Life released across other parts of India on June 5, it remains absent from Karnataka theatres.

Constitutional Concerns Raised

The petition calls this a clear case of “extra-judicial censorship”, arguing that such unofficial bans imposed by private groups  without a formal state order undermine the constitutional rights of both creators and audiences.

Citing Articles 14 (equality), 19 (freedom of expression), and 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Constitution, the petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to direct the Karnataka government to provide protection to theatres willing to screen the film and to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld.

The plea also points out that neither the state government nor the police have taken any action to prevent this unofficial boycott, effectively enabling a violation of lawful freedoms.
Court Observations

While listing the matter, the Supreme Court bench noted that although such issues typically fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court, the lack of relief from the Karnataka High Court justified its intervention.

The outcome of the case may have significant implications for how film releases are handled in India, especially in cases where societal pressure or public outrage leads to unofficial restrictions.

The apex court will examine whether the state’s inaction amounts to tacit approval of an unconstitutional ban, and whether film chambers or civil groups can override a CBFC-certified film’s right to be screened. If relief is granted, it could pave the way for immediate release of Thug Life in Karnataka under state protection.

Legal experts say this could become a landmark case for defining limits on informal censorship, artistic freedom, and the role of the state in safeguarding free speech.