Despite Supreme Court backing, ‘Thug Life' release doubtful in Karnataka

There seems to be no respite for Kamal Haasan's Thug Life in Karnataka. A day after the Supreme Court directed the State to release the film, distributors from Karnataka are unwilling to buy the gangster drama owing to its poor theatrical run across the country.
Thug Life, which hit cinemas worldwide on June 5, 2025, missed its release in Karnataka owing to a controversial remark from Mr. Haasan. During a promotional event, he said that 'Kannada language is born from Tamil', leading to widespread opposition in the State.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) expressed its non-cooperation with the film until an apology from the actor. The makers of Thug Life moved court for a smooth release of the movie.
Despite a favourable response from the Supreme Court, Thug Life has no takers in Karnataka as it has failed to meet expectations at the box office. After two weeks of its release, the movie is struggling to touch the ₹50-crore mark in India. Made on a estimated budget of ₹300 crore, Thug Life is heading towards a disaster.
The film, which reunited Mr. Haasan with director Mani Ratnam after 38 years, carried massive expectations. However, the movie received mixed to negative responses from critics and fans alike.
'Kuberaa, with a star cast of Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna is slated for release this Friday. Apart from that, Aamir Khan's highly-anticipated Sitaare Zameen Par is hitting theatres this week. Distributors will prioritise new films. The verdict of Thug Life is known. No distributor will show interest in buying the movie,' said Aravind, a distributor from the State.
M. Narasimhalu, chairman, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), said the chamber's intention was never to ban the movie. 'The controversy wasn't about the movie at all. We stood by Kannada organisations, theatre owners and distributors, who blamed Mr. Haasan for hurting their sentiments with his statement, and sought an apology,' he said.
Mr. Narasimhalu added that theatre owners fear running the film to empty houses owing to immense criticism of the movie on social media. 'Distributors who have paid the advance are planning to ask the makers to return the amount as they have no confidence in making a profit by releasing the movie.'
Thug Life, produced by Mr. Ratnam and Mr. Haasan, is slated to drop on Netflix after its theatrical run. Reports say the OTT platform is re-evaluating the standard eight-week window.
'The movie is likely to drop on OTT in the next two weeks. Distributors will have no benefit buying the film for such a short period,' said Mr. Aravind.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Hindu

40 minutes ago

• The Hindu

Watch: Dhanush's ‘Kuberaa' vs Aamir Khan's ‘Sitaare Zameen Par'

Why is your life not a romantic comedy but an arthouse bummer? Why are you stuck in a trope — a misfit in a world written by bad writers? This week on FOMO Fix, we break down two big releases that promise underdog wins but serve mid: Dhanush's Kubera vs Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par on Hype Check. Materialists: Romance meets bank balance and why you should watch Ben Stiller's Reality Bites instead. Devil's Double: Next Level: Kill the star, save the franchise Subham: Granny horror meets soap opera addiction Watch till the end to find out which meta-movie is worth your weekend — and which trope to avoid like a PSA disguised as a plot. Music: Ivan Avakian

India.com

40 minutes ago

• India.com

Salman Khan Reveals Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Inspired His Look In Tere Naam

Mumbai: Even after two decades, 'Tere Naam' remains one of Salman Khan's most memorable films -- not just for its emotional story but also for his iconic hairstyle. Now, Salman has revealed something surprising about that very look. In the first episode of 'The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show' (Season 3), the 59-year-old actor shared that his hairstyle in Tere Naam was actually inspired by none other than the former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. "Ye Tere Naam ka jo look hai, woh actually inspired tha Abdul Kalam saab se," Salman said during the chat with host Kapil Sharma. (My hairstyle in Tere Naam was inspired by Abdul Kalam Sir.) He also mentioned that Rahul Roy had a similar hairstyle before, but for Tere Naam, he imagined a small-town character who would have long hair. "I thought that small-town heroes always had long hair. All the old-school heroes had it too - that's where the inspiration came from," he added. Directed by the late Satish Kaushik, Tere Naam was released in 2003 and starred Salman as Radhe and Bhumika Chawla as Nirjala. It was a remake of the 1999 Tamil film Sethu, which originally starred actor Vikram. Though the film received mixed responses from audiences, it was remembered for Salman's intense performance and its music. The film also marked Bhumika Chawla's debut in Hindi cinema. During the show, Salman also opened up about a recent incident in which a woman managed to sneak into Salman Khan's home at Galaxy Apartments. The topic came up when Kapil jokingly asked him about fans showing up at his residence with suitcases. Salman confirmed that something like that had indeed happened recently. "Yes, something like that recently happened. There were security guards outside. A woman told them she wanted to head up to the fourth floor, and she entered. She rang the doorbell, and our servant opened the door. The servant was shocked because the lady said, 'Salman called me over.' Obviously, the servant saw her and was sure I definitely didn't call her. She was a fan, so she was escorted out," said the 'Sikandar' actor.

Indian Express

43 minutes ago

• Indian Express

Knowledge Nugget: Thug Life controversy — How is freedom of speech and films certification relevant for UPSC Exam

Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: In light of the Thug Life movie controversy and the the Supreme Court's recent ruling, it is important to understand what the Constitution of India says on freedom of speech and expression, as fundamental rights form an important part of the UPSC syllabus, and previously, questions have been asked on various rights. Also, it is crucial to understand how films are certified in India and what the role of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is in film certification.) On June 17, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the 'extra-judicial ban' on the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka — it underlined that any film that has received a CBFC certificate must be screened. The Mani Ratnam-directed movie opened on June 5 across India except in Karnataka, where its release was stalled following outrage over lead actor Kamal Haasan's remark that Kannada was born from Tamil. In this context, let's understand what exactly the constitutional position is on free speech and how films are certified in India. The Supreme Court has characterised a 'ban' on the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka as an infringement on the filmmakers' constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech and expression. It directed the state government to uphold the 'rule of law' and ensure the film's smooth release. In directing the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, the Supreme Court has underlined that upholding freedom of speech means protecting and extending the space for a diversity of views. As it pointed out, 'It's not just the screening of a film, it's much bigger than this.'- Express View: On Thug Life and freedom of speech, listen to the Supreme Court 1. Article 19(1)(a) in Part III of the Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. It is a right invoked against the state. Some fundamental rights such as those prohibiting untouchability, trafficking and bonded labour are explicitly against both the state and other individuals. 2. It is available only to citizens and not to foreigners. Article 19 (1) provides 'Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech etc.' It says, 'All citizens shall have the right: (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions; (d) to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and (f) omitted (g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business (Note: Originally, Article 19 (1) (f) and article 31 contained the right to property, i.e. to acquire, hold and dispose of property subject to the right of State to compulsory acquisition for public purposes by authority of law. However, right to property ceased to be a fundamental right when the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978 omitted sub-clause(f) of Article 19 (1) and Article 31 from the Constitution.) 3. The freedom provided in Article 19 (1) is not absolute or unfettered. It is followed by Article 19(2), which lists exceptions or 'reasonable restrictions' on free speech under following heads: → Security of the State, → Friendly relations with foreign States → Public Order, → Decency and Morality, → Contempt of Court, → Defamation, → Incitement to an Offence, → Sovereignty and Integrity of India. 1. In India, all films must have a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate if they are to be released theatrically, telecast on television, or displayed publicly in any way. 2. The CBFC certifies films under four categories: 📌U: Unrestricted public exhibition (Suitable for all age groups) 📌U/A (UA 7+, UA 13 + and UA 16 +): Parental guidance for children 📌A: Restricted to adults(Suitable for 18 years and above) 📌S: Restricted to a specialised group of people, such as engineers, doctors or scientists. Why is film certification necessary? 3. The film certification process is governed by The Cinematograph Act, 1952, The Cinematograph (certification) Rules, 1983, and the guidelines issued by the Central government under section 5B of the Act, which says that- 'A film shall not be certified for public exhibition, if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the States, friendly relations with foreign State, public order, decency or morality or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence'. 4. Certification of films is carried out by the CBFC through an Examining Committee, appointed by the Regional Officer, which submits its recommendations after viewing the film. 5. The decision is based on the committee's majority or unanimous opinion. A split or divided opinion, or a contentious matter, may be referred to a Revising Committee or decided by the CBFC Chairperson. 6. The CBFC can also deny certification a film. On several occasions when a filmmaker or producer has not been satisfied with the CBFC's certification, or with a denial, they appealed to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), which overturned the CBFC decisions. However, since the dissolution of the FCAT in 2021, such appeals can be made directly to the High Courts. 1. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It regulates the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952. 2. Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they have been certified by the CBFC. 3. According to the official site of CBFC, 'The Board consists of non-official members and a Chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at Mumbai.' 4. CBFC has nine Regional offices, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack and Guwahati. The Regional Offices are assisted in the examination of films by Advisory Panels. The members of the panels are nominated by Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of 2 years. 📌 Article 19(1) of the Constitution says that all persons shall have 'freedom of speech and expression'. However, Article 19(2) of the Constitution lays down provisions for imposing reasonable restrictions on the exercise of this right. 📌 The Cinematograph Act, 1952. 📌 The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. 📌 The Guidelines issued by the Government under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act. 📌 The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 r.w. The Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 (Programmes and Advertising Codes therein). 📌 The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) , 2003 & Rules 2004. 📌 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 📌 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. 📌 The Drug and Magic Remedies Act. 📌 The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. 📌 The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986. 📌 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012, Etc. 1. The government recently notified age-based categories certification of films to promote age-appropriate viewing, particularly for the parental guidance group. 2. In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting amended the rules notified in December 1991 laying down principles for sanctioning films for public exhibition. 3. The rules allow the Central Board of Film Certification to allow certification of films for unrestricted public exhibition with an endorsement in accordance with the nature. 4. 'Content suitable for a child aged seven years and above and under the age of seven years with parental guidance shall be classified as 'U/A 7+' rating… child aged thirteen years and above and under the age of thirteen years with parental guidance classified as 'U/A 13+'… child aged sixteen years and above and under the age of sixteen years… as 'U/A 16+' rating,' the notification read. (1) The provisions under Article 19 of the Constitution of India are: 1. to assemble peaceably and with arms 2. to form unions 3. to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India 4. to carry on any occupation Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 2 and 4 only (2) Consider the following statements: 1. The Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory body. 2. There is no CBFC certification for T.V programs and serials. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (Sources: Constitution of India, Express View: On Thug Life and freedom of speech, listen to the Supreme Court, Certification of films, Explained: The role, significance of film certification tribunal, now abolished, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More