Despite advance bookings for Kamal Haasan ’s Thug Life commencing elsewhere, no shows for the film are currently listed in Karnataka. This exclusion comes amid intense uproar over the actor’s alleged statement that “Kannada is born out of Tamil” during a promotional event in Chennai, including protests by pro-Kannada organisations and a ban by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) over the release of the film. On Sunday, a pro-Kannada organisation, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), attempted to lay siege to Victory Cinema Theatre in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru. Praveen Shetty of the group warned the theatre owners against releasing the film, alleging that the actor made inappropriate remarks about the Kannada language.
Won’t allow Kamal's film to release here: KRV


Speaking with ANI, Praveen Shetty said, “Kamal Haasan has spoken against the Kannada language. We will not allow Kamal Haasan's film to be released in Karnataka. They said that the film will be released at the Victory Cinema. In this context, we came here today and told the theatre owners not to release Kamal Haasan's film. Kamal Haasan's film should not be released in Karnataka.”