Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ Skips Karnataka Release Despite Supreme Court Nod

The Karnataka distributor of Kamal Haasan's upcoming film Thug Life has announced that the film will not be released in the state, despite a recent Supreme Court order in its favour. Venkatesh Kamalakar, who owns the distribution rights for Karnataka, explained that releasing the film two weeks after its pan-India debut no longer makes sense from a business perspective. He also cited the backlash following Kamal Haasan’s recent remarks on the Kannada language, which triggered opposition from local groups. While the Supreme Court had ruled on June 17 that it is the state's duty to ensure the release of a film once it receives a CBFC certificate, Kamalakar maintained that the timing, sentiment, and potential for loss influenced his decision more than the controversy.

Speaking to PTI, Kamalakar said that while Haasan’s Vikram did well in Karnataka, his recent films have not performed as expected, including Indian 2. He noted that Kamal Haasan doesn’t have a blindly loyal fan base in the state that would guarantee footfalls regardless of controversy. “It’s not like it’s our fault. Things turned out the way they did. And when there’s no profit, which theatre owner will agree to showcase the film?” he asked.

Despite the Supreme Court's directive, several pro-Kannada groups in Bengaluru have reportedly asked theatres not to screen Thug Life. The city police responded by issuing formal notices to known activists, warning them against organizing protests outside of designated areas such as Freedom Park. Notably, Praveen Shetty, a prominent figure in the Kannada Rakshana Vedike (a pro-Kannada group), reportedly refused to accept the notice or take responsibility for potential protests. As a result, RT Nagar Police posted the warning notice in front of his house.

While the legal door remains open for Thug Life's release in Karnataka, the distributor’s firm stance suggests that the film’s theatrical run in the state is unlikely, at least in the near future.