Let Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ play: SC tells state

Strap: Supreme Court slams mob rule, says cinema can’t be silenced by threats or sentiment

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take firm action against individuals or groups obstructing the screening of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life in the state. The directive came as the court recorded the government’s assurance to provide adequate security to cinemas wishing to screen the film.

A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan underscored the need to uphold artistic freedom and the rule of law, cautioning against a growing trend where films, stand-up shows, or poetry readings are stifled on the grounds of hurt sentiments.

“We cannot allow a situation where a film is stalled, a stand-up show is cancelled, or a poem silenced because someone claims to be offended,” the bench remarked. It stressed that any “divisive elements” attempting to pose a threat to creative expression must be contained by the state.

Following the Karnataka government’s assurance that security would be ensured at theatres screening the film, the court closed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), stating no further guidelines or directions were required at this stage.

The PIL was filed by M Mahesh Reddy, who challenged the non-release of Thug Life in Karnataka despite the film receiving clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and being screened across the rest of the country since its release on June 5.

The court had earlier rapped the state government over its inaction, noting that law enforcement cannot surrender to mobs or vigilante groups. “Mob rule cannot be permitted in a constitutional democracy,” the bench had observed on June 17.

The controversy stemmed from a remark made by Kamal Haasan during a promotional event in Chennai, where he reportedly stated that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” The comment sparked protests in Karnataka, with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) threatening to block the film’s release unless Haasan issued a public apology.

Thug Life, which marks Haasan’s reunion with filmmaker Mani Ratnam after nearly four decades, remains unreleased in Karnataka amid the row. However, with the Supreme Court’s latest intervention, the spotlight now shifts to how the state government handles security and ensures that constitutionally protected artistic works are not derailed by street-level intimidation.