Latest news with #KamalHaasan
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
No fetters: On Thug Life, extra-judicial bans
In ensuring the screening of the film Thug Life — thespian Kamal Haasan plays the lead role — in Karnataka, the Supreme Court of India has unequivocally asserted a fundamental free speech principle that certified films cannot be stifled by protests or a recourse to 'hurt sentiments'. Following Mr. Haasan's comment in a pre-launch event, that Kannada was born from Tamil (it is factually inaccurate as both languages have been known to share a proto-Dravidian ancestor), the film has faced an extra-judicial ban in Karnataka; the Karnataka High Court had suggested that he apologise. The Supreme Court's directions however repudiate this 'moral' position taken by the High Court, bringing into focus the judiciary's role as a guardian of due process. After the film was certified by the CBFC, there should be no fetters on its release, and, therefore, the extra-judicial ban violated the rule of law. The film certification framework, governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and its rules, is designed to safeguard creativity, while maintaining a balance between constitutionally mandated free speech and reasonable restrictions. The CBFC, equipped to vet films with these legal standards, is solely tasked with doing so. Amorphous groups claiming 'hurt sentiments' to intimidate a film's release have no role in this. Giving in to such claims risks violating free speech rights and hurting the livelihoods of actors, artists, technicians and workers. The top court rightly characterised extra-judicial bans as a direct infringement on film-makers' constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech and expression. By emphatically rejecting the extra-judicial ban, the Court has reiterated its positions that maintaining law and order in the face of divergent views is the state's responsibility. It is vital to understand that certified and regulated freedom of speech, as assessed by the CBFC, is distinct from hate speech, which finds no constitutional protection and can be legally restricted. This crucial distinction underscores that legitimate artistic expression, once cleared by the designated authority, deserves state protection. Moving forward, the Court's directions should pave the way for the state to provide institutional safeguards against unofficial bans overriding the CBFC's certification and release. These could include holding theatre owners accountable for unwarranted cancellations of scheduled releases, policing guidelines that distinguish lawful dissent from illegal intimidation and also allowing for citizens to watch a certified film without fear.
NDTV
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Priyanka Chopra Jonas On Losing A Chunk Of Her Eyebrow While Filming Heads Of State: "Could Have Been My Eye"
A scene from the film Featured Video Of The Day "If You Are A True Performer, Nothing Will Topple You," Says Kamal Haasan
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
James Vasanthan praises 'Thug Life' despite criticism; calls Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's film a masterpiece, fans get shocked
The highly spoken about movie 'Thug Life,' directed by Mani Ratnam, released on June 5. The film starring Kamal Haasan , Simbu, Trisha, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Nasser, Joju George, and many others, failed to perform well at the box office. Many fans cited the confusing script as the reason for the film's moderate response. In this case, music composer James Vasanthan shared an honest review and appreciation on social media after watching the film. In the post, James Vasanthan said, 'I saw Thug Life last night. I was blown away. Good film. A masterpiece film. But I don't understand why some people gave it such bad reviews. It had all the right elements for an underworld gangster film in the right proportions. If it had been an English film starring Hollywood stars, we would have appreciated it. The film has a deep story, a warm screenplay, stunning visuals, excellent cinematography, international standard background music, compelling performances, excellent sound mix, and excellent editing. Not a single scene was boring!." Furthermore, on thinking about the ending of the story, he said, 'What if Simbu's character didn't die, but Kamal's character did? What if both of them died? What if Nassar's character was at the end? There could have been many such differences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo But that doesn't diminish the quality of the film. We would have left with a sense of belonging, that's all," said James Vasantha to share his view on 'Thug Life.' James Vasanthan rocks, fans in shock James Vasanthan has firmly stated that the film is worth watching and enjoying for those who have not seen it, and that they should not be affected by the political-artistic criticisms being made on social media. His post, which stated, 'Maniratnam, Kamal Haasan, A.R. Rahman, and Ravi K. Chandran are God's gifts to Indian cinema,' is currently attracting the attention of many and has created a new mindset among fans. But fans get shocked over his message.
News18
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Kamal Haasan's Thug Life Faces Rs 30 Crore Loss Over Kannada Language Remark
Last Updated: The Supreme Court has now announced that the film will be released in Karnataka and security will be provided to theatres if any threat is issued against the screenings. Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR's Thug Life, which hit theatres on June 5, continues to struggle at the domestic box office, falling short of the Rs 50 crore mark. The Mani Ratnam directorial has faced a significant setback following a controversy related to the Kannada language, which arose after comments made by Kamal Haasan during the film's audio launch in Chennai. At the event, Kamal Haasan said, 'Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state. That's why he is here. That's why when I began my speech, I said, 'My life and my family are Tamil.' Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that line." The remark sparked backlash in Karnataka, leading to the film being banned in the state. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the ban has resulted in a reported loss of Rs 30 crore, as the film could not be released in the Kannada-speaking region. The production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, has confirmed the financial loss. As the pro-Kannada activists protested against the actor, the Karnataka Film Board also imposed a ban on the movie in the state unless Haasan apologised. The Supreme Court of India, however, criticised the Karnataka government and the Karnataka Film Chamber for their handling of the controversy. The apex court has approved the release of the film in Karnataka, questioning the state government and the Kannada Film Body. SC also announced that security will be provided to theatres if any threat is issued against the screening of the film. Coming to Thug Life, the gangster action drama narrates the tale of an elderly criminal named Rangaraya Sakthivel, who seeks vengeance from those who have betrayed him, including his brother, Amaran (his adopted son, played by Silambarasan), and his gang members. The gangster action also shows the story of mistrust and power struggles, with Sakthivel determined to destroy everyone he thinks is threatening him. The Mani Ratnam directorial, co-penned by Kamal Haasan, also features celebs like Ali Fazal, Naasar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Rohit Saraf, Joju George, and Sanjana Krishnamoorthy in key roles. As per Sacnilk, the film has minted more than 47 crores at the box office after 15 days. First Published:
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.
