Take action against those disrupting release of 'Thug Life': SC to Karnataka

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to act promptly against those disrupting the screening of Kamal Haasan-starrer movie Thug Life.

A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan recorded a statement from the state government's counsel D L Chidananda that it would provide security to all stakeholders, paving the way for the release of the film in Karnataka.

"State has categorically stated it has not imposed any ban on the movie and the state government will provide full security if the movie is released," the bench noted, also after going through the affidavit filed by the Karnataka government.

The court did not agree to the contention by advocate A Velan, appearing for PIL petitioner, Bengaluru resident M Mahesh Reddy, for laying down guidelines and imposing cost on those who extended threats.

During the hearing, Chidananda submitted that the dispute was between the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, the apex body of Kannada Film Industry and the film producers, who gave an undertaking before the High Court not to release the movie if the issue is not resolved.

KFCC counsel submitted there was a large scale protest against the actor after his statement.

The court, however, asked him if his client lodged any complaint with the police or it simply succumbed to pressure.

The bench also recorded a statement from the KFCC counsel that he would not object to the release of the movie.

Senior advocate Anand Sanjay M Nuli, appearing for intervenor Kannada Sahitya Parishattu led by Nadoja Mahesh Joshi, contended language is emotive issue, the statement by the actor was a publicity gimmick and stunt.

"Emotions are running high because of the person himself. He should have been more responsible. If he tenders apology... or it would aggravate the situation. We don't support any kind of violence," he submitted.

On this, the court asked, "Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped? A stand-up comedy should be stopped? Recital of a poem should be stopped?"

"There is no end to hurt sentiments in India. If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt and there is vandalism, where are we heading," the bench asked.

The counsel, however, submitted he would not support taking law into its hand and respected freedom of speech and expression.

The court said if the organisation was hurt, it may file a defamation suit.

Senior advocate Satish Parasaran, appearing for the film producer expressed satisfaction with the stand of the state government. He, however, submitted they suffered Rs 30 Cr loss.

On Wednesday, the Karnataka government told the Supreme Court that if actor Kamal Haasan's movie 'Thug Life' is released and screened in the state, it would take all necessary steps to maintain law and order, and provide security to all the citizens concerned and other stakeholders.

In its affidavit, the state government also said that it has not imposed any restriction on the release of the movie, duly certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. The movie has been released across the country on June 5 but it faced resistance in Karnataka following outrage and protests over the actor's remarks on Kannada language.

On June 17, 2025, the Supreme Court came down heavily on de facto ban on Kamal Haasan's starrer movie 'Thug Life' in Karnataka, saying a mob cannot be allowed to put a gun on theatre owners to prohibit the film's screening.

"We can't allow mobs and vigilante groups to take over the streets. The rule of law must prevail. We can't allow this to happen. If somebody has made a statement, counter it with a statement. Somebody has made some writing, counter it with some writing. This is proxy (ban)...," the court had said.