Karnataka govt assures security to theatres as SC orders to resolve Kamal Hassan's Thug Life screening issues

The Supreme Court on Thursday instructed the Karnataka government to address the obstruction of screenings of Kamal Haasan's film "Thug Life" in the state. Meanwhile, the state government assured to provide security for theatres screening the movie, reported PTI.

The bench, consisting of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, expressed that it wished to avoid circumstances where someone's statements hurt sentiments, leading to a halt in a film's release, a show being cancelled, or an artist being prevented from performing a poem.

Hence, the bench instructed the state government to contain any “divisive element” which may act as a threat to the release of the film.

The PIL was closed after the Karnataka government's assurance, stating that no guidelines or directions were required to be given.

The top court's latest order comes after a plea seeking protection of theatres in Karnataka over the release of Thug Life. The court previously asked the state government to file its response by June 18. It further noted that the film must be released in the state as “threat of burning” cinema halls and “mob vigilante over streets” cannot be permitted.

The Supreme Court was hearing the plea of M Mahesh Reddy, who challenged the film's non-screening in Karnataka.

In its response, the state government clarifies that there are no restrictions on the film's release and promises to provide necessary protection and security if the producers plan to screen the movie in Karnataka, ANI reported.

The state government also informed that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the leading organisation of the Kannada film industry, had reached out to Kamal Haasan requesting an apology for his controversial comments regarding the Kannada language.

In the letter, the KFCC voiced concerns regarding Haasan's statement that the Kannada language "originated" from Tamil, prompting protests from various pro-Kannada groups.

(With inputs from agencies)