Supreme Court Challenges Karnataka’s Ban on Thug Life Film

New Delhi, India, June 13, 2025 – The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Karnataka government over its ban on screening Thug Life, a Tamil film starring Kamal Haasan, questioning whether the state can block a movie cleared by national censors. The move follows protests in Karnataka, sparking a heated debate on free speech. Here’s the latest on this unfolding controversy.

Why the Film Faces Trouble

The movie is at the center of a storm:

• Thug Life, a political thriller, is accused of disrespecting Kannada heritage after Haasan’s remark that “Kannada evolved from Tamil” at the film’s May audio launch.
• Protests erupted across Karnataka, with groups demanding a ban, claiming the film could stir unrest.
• A producer said, “We aimed to tell a story, not spark a fight.”

The backlash has halted the film’s release in the state.

Karnataka’s Ban Explained

The state took action:

• The Karnataka government imposed an informal ban, with police and film chambers discouraging theaters from screening Thug Life.
• Officials cited potential threats to public order, though no formal order was issued under the Karnataka Cinemas Regulation Act.
• The film, certified ‘A’ by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after cuts, released elsewhere in India on June 5.

The ban has raised legal questions.

Supreme Court Steps In

The court is firm:

• Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan asked, “Where’s the proof this film threatens public order? Can a state override CBFC approval?”
• The court issued a notice to Karnataka, scheduling a hearing for June 17 to examine the ban’s legality.
• An X post read, “SC standing up for free speech—hope Thug Life gets justice.”

The case could set a precedent.

The Legal Fight

Both sides are ready:

• Filmmakers, led by activist M. Mahesh Reddy, argue the ban violates Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which protects free speech.
• They say CBFC’s certification, after seven cuts, should allow nationwide screening, and the state’s inaction against threats enables censorship.
• Karnataka defends its stance, citing Article 19(2)’s public order exception, though it lacks evidence of an imminent threat.

The court will weigh these arguments.

Political Tensions Rise

The issue has political edges:

• Opposition parties claim the BJP-ruled Karnataka is targeting films with certain narratives, pointing to unblocked films like The Kerala Story.
• Karnataka’s leaders counter that they’re protecting social harmony, not playing politics.
• The debate has fueled regional language rivalries, complicating the film’s fate.

The controversy goes beyond cinema.

Film Industry Reacts

Voices are loud:

• The Directors Guild called the ban a “dangerous curb on creativity,” urging protection for filmmakers.
• Karnataka’s BJP unit asked, “Why no outrage when other films face bans elsewhere?”
• Theater owners in Bengaluru fear losses, with one saying, “We’re caught between protests and profits.”

The industry seeks a fair resolution.

What’s Next for Thug Life

The path is unclear:

• The Supreme Court will hear the case on June 17, possibly ordering Karnataka to allow screenings with police protection.
• For now, Thug Life plays in theaters across India except Karnataka, where threats persist.
• A ruling could redefine how states handle film bans, balancing free speech with public safety.

The nation awaits the court’s verdict.