Thug Life release: Even a state-wide ban hasn’t dimmed the passion of Kamal Haasan’s die-hard fans. 'Thug Life', the much-anticipated gangster drama directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, was recently prohibited from releasing in Karnataka following the actor’s controversial remark that “Kannada is born from Tamil.” The statement sparked political and linguistic backlash, and Kamal’s refusal to apologise—saying the comment came “out of love”—only added fuel to the fire.
Fans from Bengaluru travel to Tamil Nadu for Thug Life
Social media platforms have been abuzz with posts and videos of fans travelling from Bengaluru to neighbouring Hosur in Tamil Nadu—around 42 kilometres away—just to experience 'Thug Life' on the big screen.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a clip of fireworks going off outside a single-screen theatre in Hosur and wrote, “Thuglife is banned in Karnataka, but no one can stop our love for Kamal Haasan. All the fans in Bangalore are gathered here in Hosur!” Other posts echoed similar sentiments, showcasing euphoric scenes of fans celebrating the release with cheers, hoardings, and impromptu reviews.
On Reddit, a Bengaluru-based Kamal fan asked whether it would be safe to ride a bike to Hosur to watch the film without facing any backlash. Reassuring responses poured in, with users pointing out that Hosur and Bengaluru have a long history of cross-border travel, with many vehicles from either state often seen in both cities.
Also read: 'Reminded Me Of Nayakan' Yet 'Nothing Exceptional': Twitter Reviews For Thug Life Are A Mixed Bag
The Kamal Haasan Kannada controversy
The uproar stems from Kamal Haasan’s remarks during a promotional event in Karnataka, where he linked the roots of the Kannada language to Tamil. The issue escalated further when the Karnataka High Court addressed the controversy while hearing a petition for the film's protection in the state. The presiding judge remarked that a “single apology” could have “settled the matter,” and questioned whether Kamal was “a linguist or a historian.”
Also read: Thug Life Review: Kamal Haasan Shines In A Stylish Yet Predictable Gangster Drama
About Thug Life
Despite the controversy, 'Thug Life' continues to dominate conversations for its ensemble cast and high production value. The film features Kamal Haasan in the lead, alongside Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj.
The project marks a major reunion between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, nearly four decades after their iconic 1987 collaboration 'Nayakan'.