We should all respect court's order : Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar on screening of 'Thug Life'

ANI June 18, 2025 241 views

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has urged pro-Kannada groups to respect the Supreme Court's order allowing the screening of Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life'. The film faced backlash after Haasan's comments on the Kannada language sparked protests. Shivakumar emphasized Karnataka's peaceful nature while Haasan stood firm, refusing to apologize. The SC intervened after Haasan petitioned for the film's release in the state.

"We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case" – DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, June 18: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to pro-Kannada organisations to abide by the Supreme Court order, which directed the state government to ensure the screening of the Kamal Haasan-starrer movie 'Thug Life'.

Key Points

1

Supreme Court directs Karnataka to explain Thug Life screening delay

2

Kamal Haasan refuses to apologize for Kannada remarks

3

Pro-Kannada groups demand apology, ban film

4

Shivakumar emphasizes peace amid protests

Kannada activists have been protesting against the screening of the movie after the 70-year-old actor's comments about the Kannada language sparked a major controversy.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked the Karnataka government for an explanation within 24 hours regarding the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka.

Reacting to the order, Shivakumar said, "We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations that we should not cross our limits and should be peaceful. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state is a peace-loving state."

The Deputy CM underlined that Karnataka has always been a peace-loving state.

Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles, was released in cinema halls across the country on June 5.

Earlier, Film Actor Kamal Haasan on Monday moved to the Karnataka High Court, seeking release of his upcoming movie Thug Life in the state on June 5.

This came after the actor's upcoming film, Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam, faced trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology.

The actor filed this petition through the CEO of his company, Rajkamal Film International.

Earlier, in response to the growing backlash, Hassan stood by his statement, saying he believes in law and democracy.

Terming India a "democratic country", the actor stated that he wouldn't "apologise" to anyone for his actions if he is "not wrong". Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people.

Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai on Friday, Haasan said, "It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Nobody will doubt it except for those who have an agenda. "I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise; if I'm not, I won't."

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
Respecting court orders is non-negotiable in a democracy. While language pride is important, banning films isn't the solution. Let people decide whether to watch it or not. Kamal Haasan has contributed so much to Indian cinema across languages.
R
Rahul K.
As a Kannadiga, I feel hurt by Kamal's comments but violence isn't the answer. Our language is strong enough to withstand criticism. Let's show maturity and move on. Jai Karnataka! 🙏
A
Ananya S.
Why is this becoming such a big issue? We have bigger problems to solve in Karnataka than banning movies. Focus on infrastructure, jobs and education please!
V
Vikram P.
While I respect the court's order, Kamal Haasan should have been more careful with his words. When you're a public figure, you must think twice before speaking about sensitive issues like language.
S
Suresh R.
This is exactly why regional cinema needs more support from central government. When South films face issues in North or vice versa, it shows we still have work to do for true cultural unity. #OneIndia
N
Neha T.
I'm glad the Deputy CM is taking a balanced stand. We need more leaders who can maintain peace while upholding the law. Karnataka has always been progressive - let's not go backwards now.

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Thug Life Kamal Haasan DK Shivakumar Karnataka protests Supreme Court Mani Ratnam Kannada language row