A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the alleged "unconstitutional extrajudicial ban" imposed on the Tamil film Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film, certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), was released globally on June 5, 2025, but was not screened in Karnataka due to threats of violence.
The petition filed by M Mahesh Reddy through advocate-on-record A Velan was urgently mentioned before a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan. The bench agreed to list the matter on the coming Friday.
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Advocate Navpreet Kaur, appearing for the petitioner, said, "Anarchic elements and organisations are openly threatening to set fire to cinema halls if a Tamil film is screened." She also stressed the need for safety of cinema halls and theatres in Karnataka.
Initially, Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra suggested that the matter be taken up before the High Court. However, the lawyer pointed out that the producer of the film had already approached the Karnataka High Court but did not get any relief.
"The response of the High Court was to compromise with the criminals who are intimidating the actors," the lawyer said. Following the submissions, the bench agreed to list the matter for hearing.
The issue arose following Kamal Haasan's alleged controversial remarks on the Kannada language, allegedly saying that it "originated from Tamil." Following this, the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on the film in the state and demanded an apology from Haasan. Although he expressed regret and clarified that his statement was misunderstood, the controversy continued.
According to the petition, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike president Mr T.A. Narayana Gowda was quoted as saying in a TV9 Kannada news report, "We will set theatres on fire if any film of Kamal Haasan is released."
Victory Cinema in Bengaluru's Kamakshipalya had publicly promoted the film but soon faced threats. The petition alleges that such threats have created an atmosphere of fear, which violates the fundamental rights of filmmakers and the public under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution.
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The petition calls the ban part of a "deliberate terror-mongering" by non-state actors, calling for communal violence and a repeat of the 1991 anti-Tamil riots. The petitioner has sought interim ex-parte orders to:
- provide police protection to all willing cinema halls in Karnataka;
- restrain KFCC and others from obstructing the film's release;
- direct FIRs against those making violent threats.
Despite seeking police protection from the High Court earlier, the court reportedly focused on whether Kamal Haasan should apologise rather than addressing the security concern. As a result, the film has not been able to release in Karnataka.
"Due to the continued threats of violence, intimidation and de facto ban imposed by non-state actors coupled with the failure of the state machinery, the film cannot be released in Karnataka," the petition said.
The case will now be heard in the Supreme Court.
Case Details: SRI M MAHESH REDDY v. STATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS
