Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ gets TN govt’s nod for special screenings amid piracy clampdown

Kamal Haasan’s much-awaited film 'Thug Life,' directed by Mani Ratnam and co-starring Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, and Joju George, is all set for a grand release on June 5, 2025. In anticipation of high demand, the Tamil Nadu government has granted permission for special shows on the release day. Following a formal request by the CEO of Raj Kamal Films International, the state has allowed five shows to be screened on Thursday (June 5) starting from 9 AM and running until 2 AM the next day. This move has generated excitement among fans eager to witness Kamal Haasan’s return to a gritty gangster avatar.While Tamil Nadu has extended full support to the film’s release, the situation in Karnataka remains uncertain. The film is currently facing a release ban in the state, stemming from a recent controversy. However, Kamal Haasan’s legal team informed the Karnataka High Court that they are willing to initiate talks with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to resolve the matter. The development hints at a possible reconciliation and eventual release in the neighboring state, though no timeline has been confirmed yet.See More: ‘Thug Life’ early review: Kamal Haasan & Mani Ratnam's film is a 'cult classic' with goosebumps inducing scenesAmid the theatrical buzz, the makers have also taken legal action to safeguard the film’s digital release. As per News 18, the Madras High Court has issued an order banning the illegal distribution of Thug Life across 793 piracy-prone websites and cable channels. The production house, citing the movie’s large-scale release in over 3,500 theatres worldwide, argued that any form of piracy could result in massive financial losses and threaten the livelihood of the film’s cast and crew.In response, Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy ruled in favor of the production company, directing internet service providers and relevant authorities to take preventive steps against piracy. The court order comes as a significant relief to the makers, ensuring a secure launch for the film across global markets.