🎬🔥 Supreme Court Issues Notice Over ‘Thug Life’ Ban in Karnataka!

TL;DR: The Supreme Court on June 13, 2025, took note of a PIL challenging the de facto ban on the Mani Ratnam–Kamal Haasan film Thug Life in Karnataka. The bench, led by Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan, sought the Karnataka government's response, particularly over threats from fringe groups to burn cinemas and no FIRs being filed. Next hearing set for June 17. 🎥⚖️ #ThugLife #SCNotice #KarnatakaBan

📰 What Happened?

• The petition, filed by Bengaluru resident M Mahesh Reddy, alleges an "extra-judicial ban" on Thug Life in Karnataka—despite CBFC clearance—due to threats by groups like the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.

• The Supreme Court bench issued notice to Karnataka’s government, asking for detailed responses on police inaction and whether steps to ensure safe screenings were being taken.

• The film’s makers slammed the state, saying no FIR was registered even though groups openly threatened arson and violence, targeting Tamil-language screenings.

• Karnataka Sahitya Parishat criticized the plea, calling it an “abuse of legal process” and echoing concerns about Haasan’s remark on Kannada, comparing it to arresting a firestarter-turned-firefighter.

• The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for June 17, 2025 .

✊ Deep Dive into the Controversy

1. Kamal’s ‘Kannada-from-Tamil’ comment:During a promotional event in Karnataka on May 28, 2025, Haasan said Kannada originated from Tamil—sparking region-wide backlash. Both the Karnataka Film Chamber and KSP demanded an apology, and when it didn’t come, theatres began refusing the film.

2. No arrest despite threats:Makers accused the state government of “failure to act.” They stated that “fringe groups issued open threats... including burning down theatres,” yet no FIRs were filed.

3. SC’s stance:The Supreme Court called the situation a possible violation of freedom of expression and artistic license, demanding Karnataka’s formal response on state protection plans.

4. Critics join in:Kannada Sahitya Parishat slammed the petition as misuse of court machinery, saying Haasan’s remarks sparked the conflict, not opponents.

5. Next hearing prep:The SC bench requested replies from top state officials—including Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and DGP—and set the next hearing for Tuesday, June 17.

🧭 MediaFx POV

From a working-class, socialist lens, this issue shows how regional hegemony meets artistic censorship. The Supreme Court’s timely intervention is heartening, ensuring that freedom of expression prevails over fringe intimidation. Ultimately, films shouldn’t be collateral in political or linguistic turf wars. True equality means protecting creative voices—even if they ruffle regional sentiments. The state owes it to minorities and audiences to uphold peace and democratic arts.

🤔 Join the Conversation!

What do you think—should Thug Life be screened everywhere or did Haasan cross a line? Drop your thoughts and fellow youngsters, let’s talk in the comments! 👇

#ThugLife #SupremeCourt #KarnatakaBan #FreedomOfExpression #KamalHaasan #ManiRatnam #Censorship #Kannada #ArtisticRights #JusticeForCinema