Karnataka Govt Assures Security To Theatres As SC Orders To Resolve Kamal Hassan's Film Thug Life Screening Issues

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Supreme Court instructed the Karnataka government on Thursday to address the obstruction of screenings for Kamal Haasan's film "Thug Life" in the state. Meanwhile, the state government assured to provide security for theatres screening the movie, reported PTI.

The bench, consisting of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, expressed that it wished to avoid circumstances where someone's sentiments were hurt by statements, leading to a halt in the film's release, a show being cancelled, or an artist being prevented from performing a poem.

Hence, the bench instructed the state government to contain any“divisive element,” which may act as a threat to the release of the film.

Also Read | Kamal Hassan's Thug Life won't release in Karnataka for now amid row

The PIL was closed after the Karnataka government's assurance, stating that no guidelines or directions were required to be given.

The top court's latest order comes after a plea seeking protection of theatres in Karnataka over the release of Thug Life. The court previously asked the state government to file its response by June 18. It further noted that the film must be released in the state as“threat of burning” cinema halls and“mob, vigilante over streets” cannot be permitted.

The Supreme Court was hearing the plea of M Mahesh Reddy, who challenged the film's non-screening in Karnataka.

Also Read | Kamal Hassan thanks Tamil Nadu for 'understanding' him amid Tamil-Kannada row

In its response, the state government clarifies that there are no restrictions on the release of the film and promises to provide necessary protection and security if the producers plan to screen the movie in Karnataka , ANI reported.

Also Read | Indian 2 Box Office Collection Day 2: Kamal Hassan's film mints over ₹43 cr

The state government also informed that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the leading organisation of the Kannada film industry, had reached out to Kamal Haasan requesting an apology for his controversial comments regarding the Kannada language.

In the letter, the KFCC voiced concerns regarding Haasan's statement that the Kannada language "originated" from Tamil, prompting protests from various pro-Kannada groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

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