On June 13, 2025, the Supreme Court issued notice to the State of Karnataka on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the de facto ban on Tamil film ‘Thug Life’ starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam.
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justices Manmohan heard the plea filed by Mahesh Reddy and listed the matter for further hearing on Tuesday.
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Issuing notice, the court said, "It is contended that the Tamil feature film 'Thug Life' certified by the CBFC is not permitted to be screened in cinemas in Karnataka. The so-called ban under threat of violence does not stem from any legal process but from a deliberate campaign of terror including a clear threat of arson against cinema halls."
Urgency first mentioned
On June 9, advocate Navpreet Kaur, representing the petitioner, mentioned the matter before the court seeking an urgent hearing, saying it pertains to a serious law and order situation.
"Fringe elements and organisations are openly threatening that they will set fire to cinema halls if the film is screened," the lawyer said, requesting police protection for cinema halls.
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Initially, Justice Mishra suggested the petitioner to approach the high court. But when he was told that the producer of the film had already done so without any relief, the bench agreed to hear the matter.
Background and allegations
The film, scheduled to release nationwide on June 5, 2025, has not been screened in Karnataka due to alleged violent threats and protests. These threats came after Kamal Haasan's remarks that Kannada originated from Tamil.
In response, pro-Kannada groups launched a campaign to demand an apology and threatened theatre owners. The Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce (KFCC) also reportedly announced a ban and demanded an apology from Haasan. Though the actor issued a clarification, he did not apologise.
"We will set theatres on fire if any of Kamal Haasan's films are released," warned T.A. Narayana Gowda, president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, quoted in the petition. Violation of rights
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The petitioner argues that the state’s inaction against violent threats has violated Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution, affecting filmmakers, theatre owners and audiences.
The petition also refers to tweets by Victory Cinema in Bengaluru promoting the Tamil version of the film with English subtitles, followed by fresh threats by fringe groups on the same day.
Prayers before the court
The PIL has sought:
- Immediate police protection for theatres wishing to screen ‘Thug Life’
- FIRs registered against those issuing threats or inciting violence
- Restraining KFCC and similar organisations from issuing intimidating statements or disrupting the film’s release
The petition also highlights the high court’s refusal to intervene, reportedly discussing only whether Kamal Haasan should apologise or not.
"Due to the continued threats of violence, intimidation and de facto ban imposed by non-state actors, coupled with failure of the state machinery to provide security, the film cannot be released in Karnataka," the petition states.
Filed through advocate-on-record A Velan, the petition emphasises the need to uphold constitutional freedoms in the face of mob intimidation and unlawful censorship.
Case Details: SRI M MAHESH REDDY v. STATE OF KARNATAKA & ORS
