Kamal Haasan in Thug Life.
Credit: Raaj Kamal Films International
New Delhi: Kannada Sahitya Parishattu has sought to intervene in a PIL filed before the Supreme Court, questioning de facto ban on Kamal Haasan's movie 'Thug Life' in Karnataka, contending the plea was wholly misconceived.
The apex court had on Friday sought a response from the Karnataka government on the PIL.
The intervention application settled by senior advocate Anand Sanjay M Nuli contended that the movie makers claimed violation of fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(g) in a writ petition before the High Court of Karnataka.
The petitioner, (M Mahesh Reddy) herein has nothing to with the subject matter and the present writ petition is a "publicity interest litigation", it said.
The application pointed out the counsel appearing on the behalf of the co-producer of the movie, on instructions submitted before the High Court that they themselves would not be willing to screen the movie in Karnataka until the issue is not revolved by dialogue. Hence, the claim of the petitioner herein that Article 19(1)(g) has been violated is wholly misconceived, it said.
The applicant submitted that, the statements made by the actor have sparked outrage across Karnataka, especially among the Kannada linguistic community, who see such remarks as an attack on the cultural and linguistic identity of the State.
"The anguish expressed by the Kannadigas is not arbitrary or sudden, but a reaction to provocative conduct and statements by the actor, which amounts to intentional or reckless speech that denigrates the dignity of the Kannada language. The public expressions of disappointment, protest, or calls for boycotting the film are democratic and constitutionally protected the very Constitution which the petitioner invokes to protect himself," it said.
The plea contended actor in question is neither a trained linguist nor a historian and his comments on such sensitive cultural issues were made without factual backing or academic support.
"Language is the heart and soul of the land and hence called 'Sacred Mother Tongue'. Bracketing languages in terms of seniority or superiority is akin to comparing sacred motherhood which is totally unacceptable in a civilized society," it stated.
The applicant, being a primary stakeholder in preserving the integrity, history and respect of the Kannada language, seeks to intervene in the above matter to present relevant historical, linguistic, and constitutional aspects concerning Kannada's independent linguistic identity and cultural standing, the plea said.
On June 13, 2025, the apex court had issued notice to the Karnataka government on the PIL against the ban on the movie. It fixed the matter for hearing on June 17.
The court noted the argument that a duly CBFC certified Tamil feature film 'Thug Life' is not allowed to be screened in the theatres in the state of Karnataka and the so called ban under the threat of violence stems from not any lawful procedure from a deliberate campaign of terror including explicit threat of arson against cinema halls, incitement to a large scale violence targetting linguistic minorities.