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At a June 17, 2025 hearing, the Supreme Court criticized the failure to screen Thug Life in Karnataka after threats and controversy over Kamal Haasan’s reported remarks about Kannada. The judges said the state must uphold the rule of law and protect lawful screening. Their comments were oral observations during a hearing, not a final ruling on the case—and the film did not go on to receive a Karnataka release from its distributor.
Why the Supreme Court addressed Thug Life’s Karnataka release
Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, opened in cinemas outside Karnataka on June 5, 2025, while its release in the state was stalled. The dispute followed an audio launch in Chennai on May 24, where Haasan reportedly said that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.” The remark drew opposition in Karnataka, including a reported response from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.
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A public-interest petition asked the Supreme Court to intervene over the film’s non-screening. The immediate issue before the court was not whether audiences had to watch the movie, but whether threats or pressure could prevent a film from being lawfully screened. The Indian Express reported that the judges emphasized both freedom of expression and the state’s responsibility to maintain public order and protect the rule of law.
What the judges said at the June 17 hearing
The Indian Express reported the following as oral remarks during the hearing by the bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan:
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- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said, “We can’t allow mobs and vigilante groups to take over our streets. The rule of law must prevail.”
- Justice Manmohan said, “Rule of law demands that any person should be allowed to release his film.”
- Justice Manmohan also said, “We are not passing an order that please come and watch the film, but the film must be released.”
The distinction in the last remark matters: protecting a film’s lawful release is different from compelling people to attend a screening. The judges also said disputed speech could be answered with counter-speech rather than threats that stop a film from being shown.
What the Supreme Court did—and did not decide
On June 17, the court transferred related High Court proceedings to itself and set the matter for a further hearing on June 19. Its strongly worded comments, as reported from the hearing, expressed concern about the failure to screen the film and the need for the state to uphold the rule of law. They should not be described as a final merits ruling that resolved the case.
Contemporaneous reports from The Indian Express and LiveLaw describe the hearing and procedural steps; the available accounts are not the complete official order text. LiveLaw identifies the case as Sri M Mahesh Reddy v. State of Karnataka & Ors, W.P.(C) No. 575/2025. Those hearing reports do not establish a later case disposition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was Thug Life released in Karnataka after the hearing?
No Karnataka theatrical release followed from the June 17 hearing. On June 18, Karnataka distributor Venkatesh Kamalakar said he would not release the film in the state, citing the delay and commercial reasons. The court’s reported position that the film should be released did not itself result in a release by the distributor.
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Timeline of the dispute
- May 24, 2025: At an audio launch in Chennai, Kamal Haasan reportedly said that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.”
- June 5, 2025: Thug Life opened in cinemas outside Karnataka; its release in the state was stalled.
- June 17, 2025: The Supreme Court heard a PIL, made reported oral observations about the rule of law and freedom of expression, transferred related High Court proceedings to itself, and set a further hearing for June 19.
- June 18, 2025: Distributor Venkatesh Kamalakar said he would not release the film in Karnataka.
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