BENGALURU: The co-producer of the Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the reported ban on the release and distribution of the film in the state, following a controversial remark by the actor that "Kannada was born out of Tamil".
In a petition filed before the High Court, Chennai-based Raajkamal Films International (RKFI), represented by its CEO V Narayanan, contended that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce's (KFCC) decision to halt the film’s release in response to pressure from certain Kannada organisations infringes on the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. The film, RKFI noted, has already been certified for release by the Central Board of Film Certification under the Cinematograph Act in May.
RKFI also expressed grievance over what it described as unlawful protests, including the burning of Kamal Haasan’s effigies. It alleged that the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and the Director General and Inspector General of Police have failed to prevent such acts or respond adequately to their requests for intervention.
The petition highlighted that over Rs 300 crore has been invested in the film, which is scheduled for a worldwide release on 5 June.
Referring to the controversial comment made by Kamal Haasan during the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai, the production house asserted that his statement — that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” — was taken out of context. It stated that Haasan had also expressed his deep affection and camaraderie with the Kannada film fraternity, particularly with actor Shivaraj Kumar, who was present at the event.
“Even if the statement is factually incorrect, it should not be given undue significance, as Kamal Haasan is not a historian,” RKFI said. “The intention behind the remark was merely to express cultural solidarity and mutual respect between the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.”
The petition alleged that the statement was wilfully misinterpreted, resulting in an unjustified backlash and a call for banning the film in Karnataka. It also enclosed letters dated 31 May to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and the DG & IGP, requesting police protection for the film’s release and screening.
However, RKFI expressed concern that the authorities are unlikely to act on the request in the prevailing situation.
The petition is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday. Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan and T.R. Silambarasan, with music composed by A.R. Rahman.
