"Should we ban movies, stand up, poetry recitals due to hurt sentiments?", Supreme Court questions

The Supreme Court of India yesterday came down on the Karnataka government for falling into the trap of 'hurt sentiments' on the release of Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life and said it was a marketing strategy used to promote the film.

"Should a movie be stopped because of this? Should stand-up comedy or poetry recitals be banned too?", the top court questioned the counsels before it.

A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan was told by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commmerce that after a mob entered their office, it acted under threat.

"I’m not supporting fringe elements, but these controversies often lack genuine hurt, it's more like a marketing strategy", court was further told by the state government.

In response, Justice Bhuyan said, "Exactly, and you fell into that trap, it is a marketing strategy.". Court went on to say it was the State’s duty to act against mobs.

"If anyone indulges in such acts, we will take action. The Film Chamber allegedly asked for an apology, and the producer gave an undertaking in court not to release the film. But if they now choose to release it, we will provide protection, we won’t shy away", State's counsel clarified before court.

The proceedings were marked by strong observations from the Bench against mob censorship and growing intolerance. “If there’s a threat of cinemas being burnt down, which producer will dare release a film? There’s a lurking fear,” Justice Bhuyan remarked.

Addressing the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the Bench questioned, “You gave in under pressure. Did you even go to the police? You’re hiding behind these groups. Where are we heading as a society?”

On June 17, the Supreme Court had come down strongly against attempts to block the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer “Thug Life” in Karnataka, stating that “mobs and vigilance” cannot dictate whether a film should be screened once it has a valid certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Earlier this month, while hearing a plea seeking protection against alleged threats over the screening of Kamal Haasan's film "Thug Life" in Karnataka theatres, top court was told certain fringe elements are threatening movie theatres in Karnataka who are showing willingness to screen the film.

The film, initially set for an all-India release on June 5, 2025, has been postponed in Karnataka alone, after threats from pro-Kannada outfits. Controversy around the release involves Kamal Haasan’s remarks during the film's audio launch, where he stated that Kannada originated from Tamil.