Latest news with #ThugLife
News18
2 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
3 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
9 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."
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SC pulls up Karnataka for inaction, says state must not yield to vigilante threats over 'Thug Life'
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government to ensure that there is no obstruction to the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer film 'Thug Life' in the state. Following the direction, the state assured SC that it will provide protection to the film makers so that the film's release is not obstructed in the state. A bench comprising justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan also disapproved of the state's inaction in dealing with such threats to free speech . The development took place during the resumed hearing of a plea filed by a Bengaluru resident M Mahesh Reddy , who highlighted that despite having a valid censor certificate the film was effectively banned in Karnataka due to threats by fringe organisations and inaction by state authorities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Morganville: Stunning New 2-Bed Senior Apartments (Take A Peek Inside) Senior Apartments | Search Ads Click Here Undo The petitioner urged SC to lay down guidelines to prevent such incidents from recurring in future, but the bench refused. The bench made it clear that the state government cannot bow to pressure from vigilante groups . "Just because of an opinion a movie is stopped, a stand up comedian is stopped, a person is stopped from reciting a poem ... You (State) succumbed to their pressure. In such circumstances the state has a duty. Simply saying a ban is not imposed will take it nowhere. You are hiding behind these groups," the bench verbally remarked. Live Events
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SC backing fails to guarantee Thug Life release in Karnataka?
सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कर्नाटक सरकार को लगाई फटकार, कहा- एक दिन में 'ठग लाइफ' की रिलीज पर अपडेट दें Despite a clear Supreme Court directive for its smooth release, Kamal Haasan's Thug Life's theatrical debut in Karnataka remains highly uncertain. Distributors in the state are reportedly unwilling to buy the gangster drama, citing poor box office performance and a looming OTT debut. SUPREME COURT TELLS KARNATAKA TO ACT AGAINST DISRUPTORS The Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the Karnataka government's assurance that it would provide adequate security to theatres screening the film. The court noted the importance of preventing any situation where 'someone's sentiment was hurt by utterances' leading to movie stalls, cancelled shows, or artists being stopped. The bench instructed the state government to contain any 'divisive element' threatening the film's release. The Supreme Court closed the PIL after the state's assurance, stating that no further guidelines were necessary. RELEASING THUG LIFE NOW IS NOT A GOOD BUSINESS DECISION: DISTRIBUTOR Karnataka distributor Venkatesh Kamalakar, has told PTI he won't release Thug Life. Kamalakar added it 'does not make sense to release the film considering that Kannadigas' sentiments were hurt by what Kamal had said about the Kannada language. But mostly it is because it is not a good business decision to release the film now.' He further noted that, 'Thug Life is generally considered as not a good film by many. So, it is too risky… When there is no profit, which theatre owner will agree to showcase the film?'
