Mani Ratnam's Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead, has been banned in Karnataka, ahead of its release. The film is slated for theatrical release on June 5, 2025.
As per a report in ANI, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), on Friday (May 30), announced the decision objecting to Kamal Haasan's controversial remark about the Kannada language that he made recently at an event.
Thug Life banned in Karnataka
According to the report, Sa Ra Govindu, a representative of KFCC, addressing the media said that they have decided to ban the film. The film body also expressed their solidarity with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other pro-Kannada organisations for their demands.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike had filed a complaint against Kamal Haasan for hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas with his statement, post which they gave the actor 24 hours to apologise, failing which his film would be banned.
Govindu said, "When there is pressure, I have to do. Even Karnataka Rakshana Vedike were present; whatever they say, we should do it. Even they would speak about it. Definitely, there is no 'Sorry' term being specified anywhere by Kamal Haasan. We will surely not release the film. We (KFCC) will stand with Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations."
On Friday, reacting to the controversy, Haasan said he has been threatened before. "If I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If I'm not, I won't. This is my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it," he added.
Why is Thug Life banned in Karnataka?
Kamal Haasan got embroiled in controversy after he stated that "Kannada is born out of Tamil", at the audio launch of Thug Life.
His remark led to protests outside the INOX cinema hall in Belagavi, Karnataka, organised by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike group.
BJP, accusing the actor-politician of having 바카라disrespected바카라 the language, demanded an apology, while the ruling Congress said that he was unaware of the greatness of Kannada.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, criticising Kamal Haasan바카라s remarks, said that the actor was unaware of the 바카라long-standing바카라 history of the Kannada language.
