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Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Despite Supreme Court's green light for ‘Thug Life', film fails to release in Karnataka
Despite the Supreme Court clearing the path for the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life movie in Karnataka, the film failed to hit the theatres in the southern state on Friday. The distributors decided not to distribute the film in the state, reportedly due to the poor response and box office collections in other states. The film opened to mixed reviews earlier this month, leading to a poor theatrical run across the country. According to the makers, the film was produced with a budget of Rs 300 crore. After two weeks of its release, the movie is struggling to touch the Rs 50-crore mark in India. Meanwhile, the distributors in Karnataka are prioritising new films, such as Dhanush- and Nagarjuna-starrer Kuberaa and Aamir Khan's highly anticipated Sitaare Zameen Par. The Mani Ratnam-directed Thug Life released on June 5 across India except in Karnataka, where its release was 'stalled' following the controversy over lead actor Haasan's reported remark that 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada'. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) demanded an apology from the actor. Meanwhile, pro-Kannada groups threatened to target theatres if the film was screened, pushing the makers to petition the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Karnataka government to ensure the uninterrupted release of Thug Life in the state, dismissing a public interest litigation filed under Article 32 of the Constitution. The court transferred a related case from the Karnataka High Court and closed proceedings after the state filed an affidavit confirming no restrictions on the movie's release. The Karnataka government, in its affidavit, stated that it has imposed no ban on Thug Life and pledged full protection and security for its screening. Senior advocate Satish Parasaran, representing Raaj Kamal Films, expressed satisfaction with the state's stance and chose not to pursue the writ petition further. The bench emphasised that the state must act swiftly against any groups attempting to forcibly disrupt the film's release. 'We should be able to check our emotions. Otherwise, we will be engulfed by them. There is a difference between real life and reel life,' the court observed.
New Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Rachita Ram faces dual complaints from industry peers at KFCC
Rachita Ram, fondly called as the 'Dimple Queen,' is currently facing two separate complaints filed against her with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), raising concerns among industry professionals. The first complaint has been lodged by Sanju Weds Geetha 2 director Nagashekar, who claims the actor failed to participate in any promotional activities for the film's release on June 6. While Rachita was present at the film's muhurath, a song launch, and a few press events nearly two years ago, the director states she was absent from all major promotional efforts during the critical weeks leading up to the release. 'I've directed 11 films and never had to take this step before,' Nagashekar said. 'Her fans are sharing edited footage to suggest she promoted the film, but those are from earlier events. When we organized the pre-release function and invited Shivarajkumar, she chose not to attend. She participated during the initial phases — the shoots and celebrations — but did not support the film when it mattered most.' Sanju Weds Geetha 2 producer Chalavadi Kumar also approached the KFCC, noting his disappointment. 'When senior actors like Shivarajkumar and Upendra are extending their support to the film, it is discouraging to see a key cast member unwilling to engage with its promotion. Even after senior producer Rockline Venkatesh tried to intervene, there was no response from her side.' In addition to this, an older, unresolved issue involving Rachita Ram has resurfaced. Veteran producer Vijayalakshmi Aras alleges that the actor accepted an advance of ₹13 lakh in 2017 for the film Uppi Ruppi, which featured Upendra and was to be directed by K. Madesh. However, Rachita later exited the project and allegedly failed to return the advance. 'Only 35% of the film was completed. We had scheduled international shoots, booked her flights and accommodations — and she never turned up. Our losses exceeded ₹1.5 crore,' said Vijayalakshmi. 'Despite multiple attempts to contact her, we have not received the advance back, nor any communication.' Rachita Ram has so far chosen not to comment on either matter. While she has maintained a reputation for professionalism in the past, her continued silence in both cases has drawn attention within the industry.
Hans India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Just because someone's sentiment is hurt, movie can't be stopped: SC
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Karnataka government to act against those obstructing the release of Kamal Haasan starrer 'Thug Life' in the state and said a movie, stand-up comedy or a poem's recital can't be stopped only because someone's sentiments are hurt. A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan said, 'There is no end to hurting sentiments in India. If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt and there is vandalism and protests. Where are we heading? Does it mean because of protests, a movie should be stopped or stand- up comedy should be stopped or reciting of poems be stopped?' The top court then recorded Karnataka government's assurance that it would provide adequate security to cinema theatres screening the film. 'The State has filed an affidavit, paving the way for the release of the movie..., we find that it would be in the interest of justice to bring closure to the matter. We don't find it appropriate to lay guidelines or impose costs. However, we direct the State of Karnataka that if any individual or group prevents the release of a movie or resorts to coercion or violence, the State shall act promptly by taking action under criminal and civil law, including damages,' the bench said. The top court also questioned the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for seeking an apology from veteran actor Kamal Haasan over his remark that Kannada was born out of Tamil. 'We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped?' the bench asked. However, counsel for KFCC said that they did not issue any threats but only issued a letter that there was widespread protests across the state and kindly consider issuing an apology. The KFCC counsel that the mob entered their offices and after that they had issued a letter. Justice Bhuyan asked if KFCC had made any complaint to the police in this regard. 'You actually succumbed to mob pressure. Did you go to the police? No. That means you have no complaints against them. You are just hiding behind them,' he observed. The KFCC counsel said that they would abide by any order passed by the court. Counsel appearing for Kamal Haasan's RajKamal Film International Ltd, one of the producers of the film, said though they had lost Rs 30 crore (in revenue) so far, they had no problems if the state agreed to provide security for screening of the film. The top court was hearing a PIL filed by one M Mahesh Reddy seeking directions to allow the screening of 'Thug Life', which was not released in Karnataka after Haasan's remarks. Advocate A Velan, appearing for Reddy, said the state did not take any action against the persons who issued threats against the film and that its affidavit was silent on the issue. He referred to the apex court's slew of guidelines on mob violence and hate speeches, which the state was bound to follow in the present case. The counsel for the state assured action against those issuing threats against the film's release. Senior advocate Sanjay Nuli, appearing for the Kannada Sahitya Parishad, said language was an emotive issue in Karnataka, and sentiments were running high due to the remarks. The bench asked whether the organisation was supporting the unofficial ban on the movie and burning down of theatres. 'The movie can be screened, subject to an apology by the actor. Otherwise, it will aggravate the situation,' Nuli said. The bench retorted, 'Where is the question of apology? You cannot take the law into your hands. If you are hurt by the statements, then file a defamation case.' Nuli clarified he was not supporting those who took matters in their own hands or violence. 'And you will not obstruct the release of the movie,' Justice Bhuyan cautioned. On June 17, the top court came down heavily on the Karnataka government after the actor's movie' was not screened in theatres in the state and observed that mob and vigilantes cannot be allowed to take over streets. Justice Manmohan had said that rule of law demands that any film which has a CBFC certificate must be released and the State has to ensure its screening. 'You cannot put a gun on people's head and say don't watch the movie. It can't be that in the fear of burning down the cinemas, that the film can't be shown. People may not watch the film. That is a different matter. We are not passing any order that people must watch the film. But the film must be released,' he had said. 'Thug Life' released in cinema halls across the country on June 5.
Time of India
a day 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."
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘There's no end to hurt sentiments in India': SC tells Karnataka to act against those disrupting release of ‘Thug Life'
The Supreme Court Thursday directed the Karnataka Government to ensure that there is no obstruction to the release of Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life in the state, as the top court expressed concern over the incidents of violation of the right to free speech in the country. The bench headed by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, and comprising Justice Manmohan, was hearing a PIL seeking the top court's intervention to ensure smooth release of Thug Life in Karnataka, where it had run into opposition from some groups over a statement by the actor that Kannada originated from Tamil. In its order, the court said, 'That if any individual or group prevent the release of a movie or resorts to coercion or violence, the State shall act promptly by taking action under criminal and civil law, including damages.' 'We cannot allow this to happen. Just because of an opinion, should a movie be stopped? A stand-up comedy should be stopped? Recital of a poem should be stopped?' Justice Bhuyan asked. Seeking to know if any action had been taken against groups threatening violence over this, Justice Bhuyan said, 'There is no end to hurt sentiments in India. If a stand-up comedian says something, sentiments are hurt, and there is vandalism… Where are we heading?' Hearing the plea on June 17, the SC pulled up the Karnataka Government saying the rule of law demands that any film cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should be allowed to be screened, and 'mobs and vigilante groups' cannot be allowed to 'take over our streets'. The SC also criticised the Karnataka High Court for asking the actor to apologise for his alleged remarks. The Karnataka Government subsequently filed an affidavit before the court, stating Thug Life had not been banned in the state and that it would provide full protection and security for releasing it. Taking note of the stand of the state government, the court Thursday closed the case proceedings. During the hearing, while the bench lauded the stand taken by the state, the counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the state had not taken any action against those who threatened violence if the movie was released in the state. Justice Bhuyan then asked, '… What do you intend to do against those groups which threatened?' The state's counsel said, 'We will take action. We are duty-bound to.' He pointed out that the problem was basically between the producer of the movie and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). To the KFCC counsel's submission that it had only sent a letter to producer saying 'there was widespread protests and kindly consider issuing an apology' and not issued any threats, Justice Bhuyan asked, 'Because of this, should the movie be stopped, or stand-up comedy should be stopped or reciting poem should be stopped?' The counsel claimed that a mob had entered its offices, but Justice Bhuyan asked why it had not gone to the police in that case. 'You succumbed to mob pressure. Did you go to the police? No. That means you have no complaints against them. You are hiding behind them.' Appearing for the Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Senior Advocate Sanjay Nuli, said language is an emotive issue in the state. However, Justice Bhuyan asked if the Parishad supports the unofficial ban on the movie, and the burning down of theatres. 'What is your stand?' To which Nuli said it 'can be screened, subject to an apology by the actor. Otherwise, it will aggravate the situation.' But the bench did not seem to agree. 'Where is the question of apology?' asked Justice Bhuyan. Justice Manmohan added, 'You cannot take the law into your hands. If you are hurt by the statements, then file a defamation case'. Closing the proceedings, the Supreme Court also recorded the statements of the Kannada language group that it will not cause any obstruction to the release of Thug Life.
