Actor Kamal Haasan has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court to ensure the release of his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka. He has taken this step after a dispute in which he allegedly stated that “Kannada language originated from Tamil”. This statement led to widespread opposition in Karnataka, due to which the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has banned the film’s release in the state.
In the petition, Hassan has demanded the state administration and police to provide security to the film, producers, distributors and theaters, so that the film’s release on June 5 can be done without any obstruction.
The KFCC has clarified that the release of the film will not be allowed until Haasan publicly apologizes. Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tangdgi has also demanded apology from the actor.
Pro-Kannada organization Karnataka Rakshan Vedike (KRV) has warned Bangalore theaters not to showcase the film, otherwise they may face opposition.
‘Thug Life’ is a Tamil gangster drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, which stars Kamal Haasan, Silambasana and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles. The film is scheduled to release on 5 June 2025.
Kamal Haasan has said that if he is wrong, he will apologize, but if not, he will not apologize. He also said that his love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true.
Now everyone’s eyes are on the decision of the Karnataka High Court, which will decide whether the film will be released in the state or not.