Kamal Haasan film controversy, SC slams Karnataka government: Says – You can’t stop people from watching a film at gunpoint; actor accused of insulting Kannada.

Mumbai

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over the non-release of actor Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life in Karnataka. The court stated that no one can stop people from watching a film by pointing a gun at their heads.

A bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan told the Karnataka government that once a film has received certification from the censor board, it should be allowed to be shown in every state of the country. The court gave the state government one day to clarify the situation regarding the film’s release.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had demanded that the film not be released until Haasan apologizes. Now, the Supreme Court has sought a response from the state government on this matter and has transferred the proceedings from the High Court to itself. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Kamal Haasan sparked controversy on May 24 during the audio launch event of his new film Thug Life in Chennai, where he made a statement claiming that the Kannada language was born from Tamil. Since then, both Haasan and his film have faced ongoing protests in Karnataka.

SC said – It is not appropriate for the High Court to ask Haasan to apologize

The Supreme Court also objected to the Karnataka High Court's remark suggesting that Haasan should apologize. The SC stated that it is not appropriate for the High Court to ask Haasan to apologize. The film Thug was released across the country on June 5, but it was not allowed to be released in Karnataka.

Haasan had said – Tamils have sacrificed their lives for the language, don’t play with it

Amid the tri-language (Tamil, Hindi, and English) controversy, actor Kamal Haasan had said on February 21 that the Tamil language is their cultural identity. People have sacrificed their lives for it. Don’t play with it.

Speaking at the 8th foundation day of his party in Chennai, Haasan said – the issue of language should not be taken lightly. Even the children of Tamil Nadu know which language they want. They have their own understanding.