Today, On 19th June, The Karnataka government informed the Supreme Court that it has not placed any restrictions on the release of Kamal Haasan’s film ‘Thug Life’ and is ready to provide protection if the producers decide to screen it.
New Delhi: The Karnataka government has submitted its response to the Supreme Court regarding the controversy surrounding the release of Kamal Haasan’s film “Thug Life” in the state.
In its affidavit, the government stated that it has not imposed any restrictions on the film’s release and assured that it would provide necessary protection and security if the producers choose to screen the movie in Karnataka.
Additionally, the government confirmed it would ensure the safety of all involved in the film’s release, provided the producers proceed with the screening.
However, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the leading body of the Kannada film industry, has written to Kamal Haasan, requesting an apology for his controversial comments about the Kannada language.
The KFCC expressed concerns over Haasan’s assertion that Kannada “originated” from Tamil, which sparked protests from various pro-Kannada groups.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter today, June 19.
Praveen Shetty, President of the pro-Kannada organization Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, clarified that his group was not against the release of “Thug Life.”
However, he reiterated that Haasan should apologize for his remarks regarding the Kannada language, as suggested by the Karnataka High Court. Shetty emphasized that the controversy stemmed from Haasan’s statement that Kannada evolved from Tamil.
He said,
“We are not opposing the release of Thug Life. It was a simple issue. After hurting the sentiments of Karnataka by saying that the Kannada language has been born out of Tamil, he should have apologised as per the suggestions given by the Karnataka High Court. But since he went to the Supreme Court, we accept the order of the court.”
Despite the protests, Shetty also stated that using police to curb activism is against the Constitution and the rule of law.
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, urged pro-Kannada groups to respect the Supreme Court’s order regarding the film’s release. The court had directed the state government to ensure that “Thug Life” is screened despite the ongoing protests.
Addressing concerns about escalating tensions, Shivakumar said,
“We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations that we should not cross our limits and should be peaceful. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state is a peace-loving state,”
Protests erupted in Karnataka following Haasan’s remarks, with several organizations calling for a boycott of the film, leading to an ongoing clash between Haasan’s supporters and pro-Kannada groups.
Earlier, The Supreme Court issued a notice regarding the ban on the release of Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, criticizing groups that have threatened to obstruct the film’s debut due to controversial comments allegedly made by the actor.
The court asserted that the rule of law cannot be compromised by mob intimidation, stating that “groups of hooligans” should not dictate what is shown in theaters, and Thug Life must be released in accordance with the law.
The petition, filed by the Karnataka Theatres Association under Article 32, alleged that certain fringe groups were threatening cinemas in Karnataka that intended to show the film.
The dispute revolves around Karnataka’s ban on the actor’s film, which followed his controversial comments regarding the origins of the Kannada language.
In a hearing at the Karnataka High Court last week concerning a plea for protection to screen the film, the actor declared that he would not release the movie in Karnataka for the time being.
The producers had turned to the High Court after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce imposed a statewide ban on the film’s release in response to demands from pro-Kannada groups.
Case Title: Raajkamal Films International v. State of Karnataka