Supreme Court criticizes Karnataka High Court over Kamal Haasan remark
The Supreme Court has stepped in after the Karnataka High Court suggested Kamal Haasan apologize for saying Kannada is a derivative of Tamil.
The SC wasn't having it, remarking, "It is none of the business of the high court," while hearing a plea about Thug Life's stalled release in Karnataka.
'Thug Life' ban and subsequent battles
Haasan's comment about language origins sparked protests from pro-Kannada groups and led to a ban by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.
Even though Thug Life released globally on June 5, 2025, it couldn't hit screens in Karnataka due to threats from fringe groups.
The Supreme Court has now reminded everyone that CBFC-certified films should be allowed across all states.
Controversy might impact film's OTT deal
Blocking Thug Life in Karnataka meant losing at least ₹30 crore in potential earnings from that state alone.
While its global box office stands at ₹92 crore, there's also talk that this controversy might impact its massive ₹130 crore OTT deal.