Kamal Haasan moves Karnataka High Court over 'Thug Life' ban

Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking urgent legal intervention to ensure the release of his upcoming film 'Thug Life' in the state. The move comes after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) banned the film’s release citing political and cultural backlash over Kamal Haasan’s recent remarks on the origin of the Kannada language. Kamal Haasan’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, filed the plea through its CEO, urging the court to issue directions to the state government, police, and film bodies not to obstruct the release and to ensure adequate security at theatres.Backlash over language remarks sparks political stormThe controversy stems from Kamal Haasan's recent comments stating that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. This sparked massive outrage in Karnataka, leading to widespread protests by pro-Kannada groups and criticism from several political leaders. The KFCC responded swiftly, imposing a temporary ban on the film’s release and demanding an apology from the actor. Despite being given a 24-hour ultimatum, Kamal Haasan firmly stated he would not apologize unless he had genuinely made a mistake, reiterating his commitment to free expression.Legal plea emphasizes free speech and artistic rightsAs per a report in One India, Kamal Haasan's court petition argued that banning the film based on personal statements undermines constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and artistic expression. He requested the court to instruct the Director General of Police and the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to provide protection to cinemas screening 'Thug Life' on its scheduled release date, June 5. Kamal Haasan emphasized that his creative work should not be punished for unrelated opinions.Mani Ratnam directorial in legal crosshairs ahead of release'Thug Life,' directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan alongside Silambarasan, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. With just days to go before its release, the legal battle now adds a new layer of tension to the film’s promotional phase.