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?”