Kamal Haasan's Thug Life Faces Ban in Karnataka Ahead of Release

Thug Life's Controversial Release

As the release date approaches for Mani Ratnam's much-anticipated gangster film, Thug Life, the movie is stirring significant controversy. While fans in Tamil Nadu are preparing for early morning screenings, the film has been entirely prohibited in Karnataka due to backlash stemming from recent comments made by Kamal Haasan.

The Tamil Nadu government has approved five special morning screenings of Thug Life, scheduled from 9 AM to 2 AM the next day. This decision, initiated by the CEO of Raaj Kamal Films International, highlights the growing excitement surrounding the collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam.

#ThugLife 9am special show TN government order issued! pic.twitter.com/YBEvkeOb7R

— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) June 4, 2025

The gangster thriller has become embroiled in controversy following its audio launch in Chennai, where Haasan paid an emotional tribute to his Tamil heritage, stating, “Uyire Urave Tamizhe,” which translates to ‘My life and my family is Tamil.’ He also addressed Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, remarking, “Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.”

Film organizations in Karnataka have threatened to prevent the release of Thug Life in the state unless Haasan issues an apology. After he declined to apologize, he sought intervention from the Karnataka High Court to ensure that authorities would not obstruct the film's release.