The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government to release Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life', stating that it cannot allow mobs and vigilantes to take over the streets. The court emphasized that films with a CBFC certificate must be shown, and the state has to ensure their screening. The ruling came after a PIL was filed seeking directions to allow the screening of 'Thug Life', which was not released in Karnataka due to threats from certain groups.
The Supreme Court slammed the Karnataka government for not allowing the release of the film, saying that the rule of law demands that any film with a CBFC certificate must be released. The court also criticized the Karnataka high court's recent observations seeking an apology from Kamal Haasan over his remark about the Kannada language. The bench transferred the case related to the movie pending before the high court to the apex court.
The court said that if Kamal Haasan has said anything inconvenient, it cannot be taken as gospel truth, and the enlightened people of Karnataka should have debated and said he was wrong. The Supreme Court gave a one-day time to the Karnataka government to apprise it about the release of the movie in the state. The film 'Thug Life' was released in cinema halls across the country on June 5 but faced controversy in Karnataka due to Haasan's comments about the Kannada language.
The film's release was halted in Karnataka after certain groups issued threats against its exhibition. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced that the film would not be screened in the state unless Haasan apologized. However, the Supreme Court's ruling has now paved the way for the film's release in Karnataka. The case will be heard further by the apex court on Thursday.