Pro-Kannada Group Backs Down: ‘Thug Life’ Release Cleared After Supreme Court Intervention

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by Praveen Shetty, announced their decision to cease opposition to the release of Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka. This shift follows a Supreme Court directive mandating the film’s release, despite prior protests triggered by Haasan’s comments regarding the Kannada language. Shetty stated that the group would comply with the court’s order, emphasizing that resorting to police action to curb activism is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court had earlier demanded an explanation from the Karnataka government regarding the delay in the film’s release, asserting that vigilantism cannot dictate the fate of a certified film. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar subsequently urged all pro-Kannada organizations to respect the court’s decision and maintain peace. The controversy stemmed from Haasan’s remarks at the film’s audio launch in Chennai, where he alluded to the origins of the Kannada language. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had previously imposed a ban on ‘Thug Life’ unless Haasan offered an apology. The film features a star-studded cast, including Trisha, Silambarasan, and others.