A co-producer of Tamil movie Thug Life has on Monday (June 2) filed a petition in the High Court of Karnataka seeking directions to restrain the State authorities and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) from taking any step directly or indirectly to restrict distribution, exhibition/screening of the movie in all languages across Karnataka.
The petition has been filed by Chennai-based Raajkamal Films International, through its CEO V. Narayanan.
The petition has been filed citing the public announcement made by the representatives of the KFCC that the movie would not be allowed to be exhibited in Karnataka till actor Kamal Haasan tenders an apology for making a controversial remark against Kannada language during the launch of film’s audio in Chennai recently. The movie is slated for worldwide release on June 5.
However, it has been pointed out in the petition that the producers have not received any official communication on KFCC’s decision to ban the movie though media statements were made on not allowing screening of the movie in Karnataka.
Claiming that a remark made by Ms. Haasan that ‘Kannada was born out of Tamil’ during the audio launch programme was ‘misrepresented’ or ‘misquoted’ by certain individuals and groups leading to controversy resulting in protest by various pro-Kannada organisations and KFCC’s decision to ban the movie in Kannada till Mr. Haasan apologised for his remark.
It has been pointed out in the film the Mr. Haasan had already clarified that the remark was “only out of love and affection, to demonstrate the camaraderie between Tamilians and Kannadigas, and that he believes love will always triumph.”
In fact, it has been stated in the petition, that Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was present at the audio launch when, had ‘publicly endorsed and defended the remark made by Mr. Haasan’ besides clarifying that Mr. Haasan has always spoken highly of the Kannada language and culture.
Stating that only the Central Board of Film Certification, which has already permitted public screening of ‘Thug Life, has the power to ban screening of the movie, it has been contended in the petition that KFCC’s action infringes the fundamental right of the petitioner to screen the movie.
Pointing out that the state authorities have not responded to the representation given seeking protection for screening of the movie, the petitioner has sought direction to the State authorities to provide necessary security and protection for smooth exhibition of the movie.
The petitioner has also sought a direction to KFCC not to make any statement on banning distribution and release of the movie.
