“If someone has made a statement, you counter it with another statement. You cannot threaten to burn down theatres,” the bench remarked.
"Putting People in Fear, Threat of Burning Theatres Cannot Be Allowed": Supreme Court on Ban of Thug Life
The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticized the Karnataka High Court in connection with the ban on the release of Kamal Haasan starrer Tamil film Thug Life in the state, News18 reported.
According to the report, the apex court also condemned the groups that had threatened to stop the film’s release over the actor’s alleged controversial remark, in which he reportedly said that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.”
“If someone has made a statement, you counter it with another statement. You cannot threaten to burn down theatres,” the bench remarked.
The court emphasized that the rule of law must not be compromised by mob intimidation, warning that “gangs of hooligans” cannot be allowed to dictate what is screened in cinemas.
The court stated, “Rule of law says that a film with CBFC clearance has to be released in every state,” while emphasizing that “putting people in fear and threatening to burn theatres cannot be allowed.” It further added, “We cannot allow mobs or vigilantes to take over the streets.”
“If actor Kamal Haasan said something, let people debate it—but the film cannot be stopped from screening in theatres,” the court added.
The controversy began after Kamal Haasan, during a promotional event in May, allegedly remarked that Kannada “was born out of Tamil.” The statement sparked outrage among several pro-Kannada groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, who demanded an apology. They threatened a boycott and even violence if the film was released without one.
Haasan refused to apologize. In response, theatre associations and authorities in Karnataka effectively blocked the film’s release across the state, despite it having received certification from the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification).
The film premiered across India on June 5, but was not released in Karnataka, which affected its regional box office performance.
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