Latest news with #Haasan
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
No SC order on vigilantes, it says state to act against violent acts
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday refused to lay down guidelines or impose costs on a vigilante group threatening the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer 'Thug Life' in Karnataka and closed the proceedings, saying the state should act against anybody preventing the screening or resorting to violence. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Thug Life' has not been released in Karnataka yet because of the threat of violence by those protesting against Haasan's remark about Tamil being the mother of Kannada. When the PIL petitioner said it was a state minister who had made a statement to whip up passions, the bench said, "It is unfortunate but after some lashing, the state has filed an affidavit. We hope better sense prevails and vigilante groups will never do it in future. Once the state has corrected itself and understood its duties and taken a conscious and wise decision to maintain law and order, there is no need to keep the matter pending. " When the petitioner continued to press for laying down guidelines to curb vigilante groups' threat of violence to stop release of censor board cleared films on diverse pretexts, state govt counsel D L Chidanand deftly drew the court's attention to the presence of the film's producer, Rajkamal Film International, and requested the bench to seek its view. For the producer, senior advocate Satish Parashar said though non-release of the film in Karnataka had cost the producer nearly Rs 30 crore, it was now satisfied with the state govt's stand and did not intend to pursue the petition, which was transferred to Supreme Court from Karnataka high court on Tuesday. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), through Udayan Jain, too said that though it was in negotiation with the producer to resolve the impasse arising from Haasan's statement on Kannada language, in view of the state's stand, it would not oppose release of the film in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It also questioned KFCC for seeking an apology from Haasan. For one of the intervenors, senior advocate Sanjay Nuli said language was a very emotive subject for the people of Karnataka and the actor should have exercised restraint rather than indulging in such publicity gimmicks on the eve of release of the film. The bench said, "If the actor devised the publicity strategy, you fell for it. You file a defamation suit against the actor, but cannot take the law into your hands."
Scroll.in
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
SC directs Karnataka to act against those obstructing release of Kamal Haasan's ‘Thug Life'
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to take action against anybody who 'tries to forcibly obstruct the release' of the film Thug Life, starring actor and politician Kamal Haasan, reported Bar and Bench. Taking note of the state government's submission that it would provide ' full protection and security ' for the screening of Thug Life if the producers decide to release it in Karnataka, a bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan closed the public interest litigation seeking the film's screening. On June 3, Haasan's production house told the Karnataka High Court that it would not seek to release the film in the state amid a row over his remark that the Kannada language 'was born out of Tamil'. Haasan made the remarks on May 24 at the audio launch for Thug Life in Chennai, after which pro-Kannada organisations held protests demanding that he apologise for them. During the hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court voiced its disappointment with the state for yielding to pressure from certain groups who claimed their sentiments were hurt by Haasan's statements, reported Live Law. The bench said this had resulted in the stalling of artistic pursuits. 'Just because of an opinion a movie is stopped, a stand up comedian is stopped, a person is stopped from reciting a poem,' the court said, according to Bar and Bench. 'You [state] succumbed to their pressure. In such circumstances state has a duty. Simply saying ban is not imposed will take it nowhere.' It further highlighted that 'in India, there will be no end to hurt sentiments'. On Tuesday, the court criticised the Karnataka government for the 'extra-judicial ban' on the screening of the film. The bench had also said that it was the state government's responsibility to ensure the screening of any film with a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. Haasan's remarks At the audio launch in Chennai on May 24, Haasan described his bond with the Tamil language with the words: ' Uyire Urave Tamizhe [My life and my family is Tamil].' He addressed Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was at the event, and said: 'Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state… Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.' The actor's remarks sparked a furore in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike threatening to boycott his film. Members of the group tore posters of the film Thug Life in Bengaluru to protest the actor-politician's remarks. Other pro-Kannada organisations also staged protests in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi and Mysuru, demanding an apology from the actor. On May 28, Haasan sought to clarify his remarks and said: 'I think what I said was said with a lot of love. Historians have taught me the language's history… I didn't mean anything.' The film is directed by Mani Ratnam. Among its producers is Red Giant Movies, a company owned by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. The film has been dubbed in several languages, including Kannada.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Karnataka Government files response to Supreme Court over Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' release controversy
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 19 (ANI): The Karnataka government has filed its response before the Supreme Court concerning the ongoing controversy over the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in the state. In its affidavit, the state government clarified that it has not imposed any restrictions on the film's release and has assured to provide the necessary protection and security if the producers decide to screen the movie in Karnataka. The government further confirmed that it would ensure the safety of those involved in the film's release, provided the producers choose to go ahead with the screening. However, the government noted that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the apex body of the Kannada film industry, had written to Kamal Haasan, requesting an apology for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language. In the letter, the KFCC had expressed concerns over Haasan's comments that the Kannada language 'originated' from Tamil, which led to protests by various pro-Kannada groups. The matter is scheduled to be heard before the Supreme Court today, June 19. On June 18, Praveen Shetty, President of the pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, clarified that his group was not opposed to the release of 'Thug Life'. However, he reiterated that Kamal Haasan should have apologized for his remarks regarding the Kannada language, as per the Karnataka High Court's recommendation. Shetty emphasised that the controversy arose from Haasan's statement that Kannada had evolved from Tamil. He said, 'We are not opposing the release of Thug Life. It was a simple issue. After hurting the sentiments of Karnataka by saying that the Kannada language has been born out of Tamil, he should have apologised as per the suggestions given by the Karnataka High Court. But since he went to the Supreme Court, we accept the order of the court.' Despite the protests, Shetty also stated that curbing activism through the deployment of police was against the Constitution and the rule of law. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, urged pro-Kannada organizations to abide by the Supreme Court's order regarding the release of the film. The court had directed the state government to ensure the screening of Thug Life, despite the ongoing protests. 'We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations that we should not cross our limits and should be peaceful. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state is a peace-loving state,' said Shivakumar, addressing concerns of escalating tensions. Protests had erupted in Karnataka after Haasan's remarks, with several organisations calling for a boycott of the film. The controversy over Haasan's comments regarding the Kannada language has led to an ongoing clash between the actor's supporters and pro-Kannada groups. (ANI)
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Thug Life controversy: SC directs Karnataka govt to take action against those obstructing Kamal Haasan's new movie release
Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government to take appropriate action against any person or groups who may attempt to forcibly obstruct the release of 'Thug Life', under the criminal and civil law. The Court disposed of the matter after satisfying itself of the submissions made by all parties before it, regarding the issue. The hearing was based on a petition filed by a Bengaluru resident seeking the release of the film in Karnataka. The Supreme Court had on June 17 held that it is the duty of the state to ensure that a film is released in theatres once it gets a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate. The Karnataka government has filed its response before the Supreme Court concerning the ongoing controversy over the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo In its affidavit, the state government clarified that it has not imposed any restrictions on the film's release and has assured to provide the necessary protection and security if the producers decide to screen the movie in Karnataka. The government further confirmed that it would ensure the safety of those involved in the film's release, provided the producers choose to go ahead with the screening. Live Events However, the government noted that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the apex body of the Kannada film industry, had written to Kamal Haasan, requesting an apology for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language. In the letter, the KFCC had expressed concerns over Haasan's comments that the Kannada language "originated" from Tamil, which led to protests by various pro-Kannada groups. The matter is scheduled to be heard before the Supreme Court today, June 19. On June 18, Praveen Shetty, President of the pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike , clarified that his group was not opposed to the release of 'Thug Life'. However, he reiterated that Kamal Haasan should have apologized for his remarks regarding the Kannada language, as per the Karnataka High Court's recommendation. Shetty emphasised that the controversy arose from Haasan's statement that Kannada had evolved from Tamil. He said, "We are not opposing the release of Thug Life. It was a simple issue. After hurting the sentiments of Karnataka by saying that the Kannada language has been born out of Tamil, he should have apologised as per the suggestions given by the Karnataka High Court. But since he went to the Supreme Court, we accept the order of the court." Despite the protests, Shetty also stated that curbing activism through the deployment of police was against the Constitution and the rule of law. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, urged pro-Kannada organizations to abide by the Supreme Court's order regarding the release of the film. The court had directed the state government to ensure the screening of Thug Life, despite the ongoing protests. "We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations that we should not cross our limits and should be peaceful. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state is a peace-loving state," said Shivakumar, addressing concerns of escalating tensions. Protests had erupted in Karnataka after Haasan's remarks, with several organisations calling for a boycott of the film. The controversy over Haasan's comments regarding the Kannada language has led to an ongoing clash between the actor's supporters and pro-Kannada groups. Karnataka distributor against release The Karnataka distributor of actor Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug life' on Wednesday said he won't release the flick in the state now, despite a favourable court order as he believes it won't do good business two weeks after its release across India. 'But mostly it is because it is not a good business decision to release the film now. His previous film 'Indian 2' also did not do well here in Karnataka,' said Kamalakar, the distributor of the film in Karnataka,, told news agency PTI. On Wednesday, Bengaluru Police posted notices on the houses of several pro Kannada activists. They informed the activists that they are not allowed to protest anywhere other than the designated protest site of Freedom Park. But Praveen Shetty, one of the very vocal protesters of the statement, and who has his own faction of Kannada Rakshana Vedike, had allegedly refused to accept the notice as well as responsibility for any protests. Earlier, speaking to PTI Videos, Shetty had said that he is yet to receive the notice from the police. 'But Kannadigas will not surely watch that film,' he added.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Too Risky": Karnataka Distributor Refuses To Release Kamal Hassan's 'Thug Life'
Bengaluru: Will not release Kamal Hassan's 'Thug Life' despite Supreme Court's order because I don't think it will do good business here two weeks after it was released across India, said Venkatesh Kamalakar, the distributor of the film in Karnataka on Wednesday. 'Thug Life', directed by Mani Ratnam, released across India on June 5. In Karnataka, the film is yet to release due to the controversial statement made by Haasan that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil'. On a petition filed by a Bengaluru resident seeking the release of the film in Karnataka, the Supreme Court had on June 17 held that it is the duty of the state to ensure that a film is released in theatres once it gets a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate. Speaking to PTI, Mr Kamalakar said it also does not make sense to release the film considering that Kannadigas' sentiments were hurt by what Haasan had said about Kannada language. "But mostly it is because it is not a good business decision to release the film now. His previous film 'Indian 2' also did not do well here in Karnataka," said Mr Kamalakar. The distributor said Mr Haasan's 'Vikram' did well in Karnataka, but he does not have a fan base here that will blindly go to his film, no matter what. "When it comes to his films, the success depends on how good it is. 'Thug Life' is generally considered as not a good film by many. So, it is too risky," said Kamalakar, who distributes mostly big budget Tamil films in Karnataka. According to industry sources, the distributor had already paid about Rs 9 crore as advance. Mr Kamalakar agreed he did pay an advance amount without disclosing the amount, but said he is not anticipating any difficulty in getting it back. "It is not like it is our fault. Things turned out the way it did and when there is no profit, which theatre owner will agree to showcase the film," he asked. Meanwhile, many pro Kannada outfits in Bengaluru have allegedly asked the theatres not to showcase the film despite SC's directive. On Wednesday, Bengaluru Police posted notices on the houses of several pro Kannada activists. They informed the activists that they are not allowed to protest anywhere other than the designated protest site of Freedom Park. But Praveen Shetty, one of the very vocal protesters of the statement, and who has his own faction of Kannada Rakshana Vedike, had allegedly refused to accept the notice as well as responsibility for any protests. Earlier, speaking to PTI Videos, Mr Shetty had said that he is yet to receive the notice from the police. "But Kannadigas will not surely watch that film," he added. RT Nagar Police, under whose jurisdiction his house falls, finally posted the notice in front of his house.
