Kamal Haasan's "Thug Life" movie is ordered to be released by the Supreme Court since it "cannot allow mobs to take over streets."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down hard on the Karnataka government for blocking the release of Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan’s new film Thug Life, stating that law and order cannot be dictated by mobs or vigilante groups.

A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, while hearing a public interest petition, expressed serious concern over what it described as an “extra-judicial ban” on the movie, which was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court reminded the state that once a film has been certified, it is the government's duty to ensure its release and protect the screening.

Mahesh Reddy filled the petition, sought directions to ensure the film’s release in Karnataka, where it has not been screened following threats from certain groups. The protests were sparked by Kamal Haasan’s recent remarks claiming that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” which drew sharp backlash and led to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) refusing to allow the movie's release unless Haasan issued an apology.

But the Supreme Court was firm. “If Kamal Haasan has said something that people find inconvenient, that doesn’t make it the gospel truth,” the bench said. “The people of Karnataka are enlightened. They could have responded with debate, not threats.”

The court also took aim at the Karnataka High Court, which had earlier suggested that Haasan should apologise to calm tensions. The bench made it clear that it was not the role of the High Court to demand apologies for controversial opinions. “Courts should not be in the business of seeking apologies,” the judges said.

*Thug Life*, directed by Mani Ratnam, marks a major reunion between the acclaimed filmmaker and Kamal Haasan, who last worked together on the 1987 classic *Nayakan*. The film was released across the country on June 5 — except in Karnataka.

The Supreme Court has now given the Karnataka government one day to update the court on steps being taken to ensure the film’s release. It has also transferred all related matters pending before the Karnataka High Court to itself, and scheduled the next hearing for Thursday.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the top court's message is clear: freedom of expression, once legally certified, cannot be held hostage by outrage.