New Delhi:
The Supreme Court of India has issued a formal notice to the Karnataka Government in response to a petition alleging an “extra-judicial ban” on the upcoming Tamil film Thug Life, starring acclaimed actor Kamal Haasan.
The petition, filed by the film’s producers, claims that certain officials in Karnataka are obstructing the film’s release without any official notification or legal order. The move has raised serious concerns about violation of constitutional rights, including the freedom of speech and expression.
A bench of the apex court has asked the state to submit its reply, seeking clarity on whether there is any legal justification for such restrictions. The producers argue that the ban, though not officially declared, is being enforced at the ground level through intimidation and informal instructions to theatre owners.
Thug Life, directed by celebrated filmmaker Mani Ratnam, marks a major collaboration between him and Kamal Haasan after decades. The film has already generated massive anticipation across India and among global Tamil cinema audiences.
Legal experts view the Supreme Court’s intervention as a key step in defending artistic freedom and preventing arbitrary censorship. If proven true, such actions by the state could set a troubling precedent for filmmakers across the country.
The matter will come up for further hearing in the coming weeks. The court’s ruling could have broader implications for the creative industry and the boundaries of state power over cinema.
