Supreme Court Seeks Karnataka’s Response On Plea Against Ban On Kamal Haasan Film
The Supreme Court on Friday (June 13) issued notice to the State of Karnataka on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition challenging the “extra-judicial ban” on the screening of Tamil feature film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, in Karnataka.
A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan posted the petition, filed by one Mahesh Reddy, for next Tuesday.
The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the State of Karnataka has completed “capitulated” to extremist elements who were attacking linguistic minorities and calling for the burning of theatres.
“It is argued that a duly CBFC-certified Tamil feature film “Thug Life” is not allowed to be screened in the theatres in the State of Karnataka. The so-called ban under threat of violence stems not from any lawful process but from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threat of arson against cinema halls, incitement of large-scale violence targeting linguistic minorities. Considering the urgency shown and the issue brought before this court, we issue notice to the respondent,” the bench observed in the order.
Previous hearing
On June 9, while mentioning the matter for urgent listing, Advocate Navpreet Kaur, the petitioner’s counsel, submitted that the matter concerned the “law and order situation in the State of Karnataka.”
“Fringe elements and organisations are giving open threat to set the theatres on fire if they display a Tamil movie. In fact, such is the intensity of the threats…we are here seeking protection for cinemas and theatres,” the counsel submitted.
Justice PK Mishra initially refused to entertain the petition, asking the petitioner to approach the High Court. Kaur then submitted that the producer of the film had, in fact approached the High Court, but no relief was granted. “The response( from the High Court) was to have a compromise with the perpetrators who are intimidating the actors,” she submitted. The bench ultimately agreed to list the matter today.
Background
The film was released on June 5, 2025, worldwide except in the State of Karnataka.
Reportedly, these protests are made against the backdrop of the alleged remarks made by Kamal Haasan on the Kannada language, wherein he said that Kannada was “born out of Tamil”. It has been alleged that the inaction of the State against the non-state actors allegedly inciting violence has led to the violation of Articles 14 (right to equality), 19(1)(a) (right to freedom of speech and expression), 19(1)(g) (right to practice any profession) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution of the filmmakers, exhibitors and the viewing public.
The Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) has reportedly announced that they have decided to ban the movie in Karnataka. It is reportedly stated that KFCC also sought an apology from Kamal Haasan, and he had responded expressing pain that his statement was misunderstood and that he deeply respects the Kannada language.
It is stated that the ban stems not from any lawful process, but from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threats of arson against cinema halls, incitement to large-scale communal violence targeting linguistic minorities. There is also a chilling call for a repeat of past anti-Tamil riots, as stated in the petition.
The petition points out that in anticipation of the movie’s release, Victory Cinema, located in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, made a series of public announcements on Twitter for promoting the Tamil version of the movie with English subtitles. However, on the same day, a news report published by TV9 Kannada quoted one Mr. T.A. Narayana Gowda, President of pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, calling for a direct and unequivocal threat of extreme violence. He said, as mentioned in the petition, “we will set theatres on fire if any Kamal Haasan film is released”.
The petition seeks an ad-interim ex-parte order directing the State of Karnataka and other authorities to provide adequate and effective police protection to all cinema theatres and multiplexes in Karnataka that are willing to screen the movie. It has also sought FIRs against those persons who threatened and incited violence.
The petition also seeks an ad-interim ex-parte order restraining KFCC, its office bearers and other organisations from issuing statements or taking any actions that directly or indirectly obstruct or call for a ban.
Subsequent to this, many media posts allegedly calling for a repeat of the brutal 1991 anti-Tamil riots were made. It is stated that the producer of the film approached the High Court of Karnataka seeking police protection for the film’s release. However, the Court refused to entertain it, and instead, the Court discussed whether Kamal Haasan ought to render an apology for his alleged remarks concerning the Kannada language. Since Kamal Haasan refused to apologise, the film was not released in Tamil Nadu.
“The film ‘Thug Life’ is scheduled for nationwide release on June 05, 2025. However, due to the unabated threats of violence, intimidation, and the de facto ban imposed by non-state actors with the acquiescence/failure of the State machinery to provide protection, the film cannot be released in Karnataka. The fundamental rights of the filmmakers, exhibitors, and the viewing public remain severely curtailed. Hence, the present Writ Petition,” the petition states.
The petition has been filed through Advocate-on-Record A Velan.
Case Details: SRI M MAHESH REDDY v. STATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS
