On June 19, 2025, the Supreme Court, led by Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, directed the Karnataka government to ensure the release of Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life in Bengaluru and beyond, slamming protests by Kannada groups over Haasan’s claim that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” The ruling, responding to a PIL by M. Mahesh Reddy in New Delhi, criticized the state’s initial inaction and affirmed that no film with a CBFC certificate can be stalled by mob threats. Karnataka’s affidavit promised security for screenings, closing the case.
In This Article:
A Victory for Free Expression
The Supreme Court’s scathing rebuke—“There’s no end to hurt sentiments in India”—cuts through the noise of Karnataka’s language row. The state’s initial hesitation, buckling under pressure from pro-Kannada activists like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, reeks of political expediency. Haasan’s comment, made at the film’s audio launch, sparked protests and threats to burn theaters, halting the June 5 release. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce’s refusal to screen Thug Life without an apology was a shameful capitulation to mob rule. The court’s stance, echoing Al Pacino’s Vatican meeting as a call for dialogue over division, rightly prioritizes the rule of law over fragile egos.
Karnataka’s Missed Opportunity
Karnataka’s response—clarifying no ban existed and offering security—feels like damage control. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s appeal to respect the court’s order is hollow when distributor Venkatesh Kamalakar, citing business risks and Kannadiga sentiments, fled to avoid release. This indecision mirrors India’s broader struggle with free speech, where, as the court noted, “stand-up comedy or poetry recitals” face similar vandalism. Like Ollywood’s fight for cultural storytelling, Karnataka could have championed artistic freedom but instead let divisive rhetoric fester. Posts on X capture the divide: one user fumed, “SC had to step in because Karnataka failed its duty!”
A Call for Courage
Karnataka must shed its timidity. The Supreme Court’s ruling isn’t just about Thug Life—it’s a blueprint for protecting creativity against censorship. If a CBFC-certified film can be stalled by hurt sentiments, what’s next? Like Munawar Faruqui’s First Copy tackling 1990s piracy, Thug Life deserves its chance to spark debate, not destruction. Karnataka should ensure screenings, not just promise them, proving it values art over outrage.
-By Manoj H