Bengaluru Theatres Seek Court Protection for 'Thug Life' Release

With the Tamil blockbuster Thug Life set to hit screens across India tomorrow, Bengaluru theater owners are turning to the Karnataka High Court for help to keep things running smoothly. They’re worried about protests and a boycott pushed by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) over comments made by the film’s star and producer, Kamal Haasan, about the Kannada language.

• Bengaluru theatres have approached the Karnataka High Court for police protection ahead of Thug Life’s release
• The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has banned the film’s release until Haasan offers a formal apology, despite his clarification
• The ₹300 crore Mani Ratnam film faces a potential 7% revenue loss if the Karnataka ban continues, with the next court hearing set for June 10

These theaters, which have been a go-to for Bengaluru moviegoers for years, say they’ve put in a ton of work—think big marketing campaigns and logistical planning—to get ready for the release. They’re concerned that any hiccups could lead to pirated copies of the film popping up online, which would hurt ticket sales. They’ve asked the court for an urgent order to make sure Bengaluru police and local authorities step in with security to keep screenings peaceful, pointing to the state’s responsibility to protect people and property under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The drama kicked off when Haasan, speaking at a Chennai event, reportedly said, “Kannada is born out of Tamil.” That didn’t sit well with pro-Kannada groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, and the KFCC responded by banning Thug Life in the state until Haasan apologizes. Haasan tried to clear things up, saying his words were meant to honor Kannada cinema legend Dr. Rajkumar and his family, but he hasn’t offered a formal apology, which has only made things worse.

On June 3, Haasan’s production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, told the court the film won’t release in Karnataka as planned until they sort things out with the KFCC. Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who’s handling the case, noted that a simple “sorry” could’ve calmed things down and set the next hearing for June 10.

Also Read: KFCC Demands Apology from Kamal Haasan by Tonight or Faces Ban on Thug Life

Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thug Life is a ₹300 crore film with a star-packed cast. A Karnataka ban could cost it 7% of its revenue, since the state’s a big market for Tamil movies. Fans and theater owners are crossing their fingers for a quick fix so everyone can enjoy the film.