Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ Set for Karnataka Release as Protests Cease Following Supreme Court Order

The release of Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka is now cleared, with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) withdrawing its protest, according to Praveen Shetty. The decision aligns with a Supreme Court order instructing the state government to facilitate the film’s release despite objections from pro-Kannada groups over Haasan’s past comments. Shetty explained the group’s acceptance of the court’s decision, criticizing Haasan’s lack of apology and condemning the use of police to suppress activism. The Supreme Court intervened after the Karnataka government delayed the film’s release, emphasizing that certified films should not be blocked by protests. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called on pro-Kannada groups to respect the court’s verdict and ensure peace. The controversy originated from Haasan’s remarks at the audio launch, where he suggested a linguistic connection between Tamil and Kannada. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had initially banned the film’s release pending an apology. The film boasts a cast that includes Trisha, Silambarasan, and others.