SC Issues Notice To Karnataka Over ‘Extra-Judicial Ban' On Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life

The Supreme Court is investigating Karnataka's alleged unofficial ban on 'Thug Life' after a petition claimed threats and intimidation prevented screenings despite CBFC clearance.

The plea, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, asserts that the film’s suppression violates constitutional rights.

Source : IMDb

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from Karnataka government over a plea alleging an unofficial ban on Tamil film 'Thug Life', starring Kamal Haasan, despite its clearance by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

SC Seeks Karnataka Govt Reply 

The bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan issued notices after hearing arguments from advocate A Velan, who appeared for Bengaluru-based petitioner M Mahesh Reddy, reported Live Law. The plea, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, asserts that the film’s suppression violates constitutional rights.

The plea said, "This reign of intimidation is a direct, flagrant violation of the Fundamental Rights to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and to Practice any Profession (Article 19(1)(g)). More seriously, it is a calculated attack on the secular fabric and public order of the State."

The petition claimed the film has been blocked from screening in Karnataka through threats and extra-constitutional pressure from fringe groups.

The petitioner alleged that state authorities failed to take action against those responsible and have instead acted in tacit support of such groups. No FIRs have reportedly been filed, further raising concerns about state complicity, as per a report on Deccan Herald.

The issue comes in the wake of public outrage over Haasan’s recent comment that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” which led to boycott calls and disruption threats. Thug Life, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, was scheduled for nationwide release on June 5, 2025 and released across the world except Karnataka.

On Supreme Court's notice to film 'Thug Life', featuring actor Kamal Haasan, Advocate Navpreet Kaur told IANS, "We approached the Supreme Court because, regarding the release of the Kamal Haasan movie, certain fringe organizations and individuals on social media issued threats saying they would set fire to theatres screening the film. They specifically targeted these theatres and a linguistic minority community, which led to a potential law and order situation in the state of Karnataka..."