The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly rebuked the Karnataka government, directing it to facilitate the release of Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life. The court emphasized that “it is the duty of the state to ensure these mobs who threaten people are taken to task.”
Questioning the state’s inaction, the court asked, “If threats are given, who will go to theatres?” This query came despite the state’s affidavit explicitly stating it had not imposed any restrictions on the movie’s release. Karnataka has informed the Supreme Court that while it is prepared to provide security to the film’s creators and cast, filmmakers are hesitant to release the movie in the state two weeks after its global debut.
In an affidavit submitted to the apex court, the state government declared, “In the event producers of the film decide to release the movie in Karnataka, the State Government is duty bound and will give protection and security for such release and for the people connected therewith, including the cast, director, producers, the exhibitors, and the audience.”
Responding to the counsel’s observation about heightened sentiments in the state, the court asserted, “This [issue of] sentiments being hurt. There will be no end to it. Because of these should movies be stopped? Should stand-up comedians be stopped? Poets should not recite poems? In India, there will be no end to hurting sentiments.”
It seems Thug Life will release in Karnataka soon, what do you say?
