The makers of Thug Life have filed a plea before the Karnataka High Court seeking a release of the upcoming Tamil film in the State.
The gangster drama, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, is set to hit the screens worldwide on June 05, 2025. The film’s release in Karnataka remains in limbo owing to a controversial statement from Kamal Haasan.
According to a report in Bar and Bench, a co-producer of the production house Raajkamal Films International, helmed by actor Kamal Haasan, has filed the plea in the Karnataka HC against boycott calls.
During the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai on May 24, Kamal Haasan made a remark that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.” The actor’s statement spurred a row, with people from Karnataka, including Kannada groups and the BJP, criticising him for hurting their sentiments.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has demanded an apology from veteran the actor for his controversial remarks on Kannada. The film chamber has decided to not screen Thug Life in Karnataka until the actor’s apology.
Raajkamal Films has said that the statement was misquoted and taken out of context, and Kamal Haasan’s remarks were meant to express love and camaraderie between the people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, according to Bar and Bench. The banner argued that the comment was made by the actor while expressing his admiration for Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, who in turn has stressed that Kamal Haasan always held Kannada in high regard.
The plea says that Kamal Haasan’s remark has been misconstrued, resulting in backlash from Karnataka. Reports said that the producer had written to the Karnataka police, seeking the release of Thug Life without disruption. After receiving no response from the authorities, the makers is said to have moved to the High Court.
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The matter is yet to be heard in the court. Made on a budget of Rs 300 crore, the movie marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after the iconic Nayakan (1987). Also starring Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Ashok Selvan and Joju George, the film has music from A R Rahman.
Published – June 02, 2025 04:12 pm IST
