Kamal Haasan Moves Karnataka High Court To Clear ‘Thug Life’ Release; Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar Addresses Issue

Even as the release of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life is under the wringer in Karnataka, the actor-politician has now moved the Karnataka High Court to seek an order for the film’s release in the state.

According to a report by India Today, in his petition, filed through the Chief Executive Officer of his production company Raaj Kamal Films International, Haasan “urged the court to direct the Karnataka state government, the police department, and film trade bodies not to obstruct the film’s release.” The petition further sought instructions to the Director General of Police and the City Police Commissioner to ensure adequate security arrangements for the screening.

This comes on the heels of severe backlash from pro-Kannada groups and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, who threatened to ban the film’s release in the state if Haasan didn’t apologise for his “Kannada being born out of Tamil” comment. Haasan recently said at a press gathering that he would apologise only if he was wrong. "My love for Karnataka is true... nobody will suspect it except those with an agenda. I've been threatened before. If I am not wrong, I'll not apologise. It is my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it."

Meanwhile, actor Shivarajkumar, at a recent event, added that Haasan holds Kannada in high regard. “He has only good things to tell about Bengaluru as well.... Kamal sir knows what he has said, and he will give an appropriate response," he said. “Your love for Kannada shouldn’t be selective. It shouldn’t matter only when such a development happens. You must support young talents from the film industry. Nobody talks about newcomers. It’s not right to report only about big-star movies,” he added.

But the Kannada star also clarified that he did not clap for Haasan’s remark at the audio launch. “All the languages are important to us. But when it comes to the mother tongue, Kannada is the first priority, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve said this before, I can give my life for Kannada. I should not tell that (Kamal Haasan must apologise). He is a senior actor, and I am the biggest fan of him,” he was reported as saying in another press gathering.

Meanwhile, speaking to the press, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, "Let's not make this a political issue. We are all neighbours... we are not enemies, we are all friends."

Co-starring Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, and Nasser, the film will be released on June 5.