Did Ram Gopal Varma Challenge Threats Against 'Thug Life'?

Chennai, June 2 (NationPress) Director Ram Gopal Varma publicly voiced his objection to the threats against actor Kamal Haasan regarding his recent remarks about the origins of Kannada. He shared a tweet on Monday condemning the ultimatum to ban the actor's forthcoming film 'Thug Life' unless an apology was issued, labeling it as 'a new kind of hooliganism'.

Despite quickly deleting the tweet, it had already circulated among social media users.

In his post on X, Ram Gopal Varma remarked, 'DEMOCRACY’s new name is INTOLERANCE. Regardless of factual accuracy, threats to ban #ThugLife in Karnataka unless @ikamalhaasan apologizes, amount to a new kind of HOOLIGANISM.'

This statement surfaced amid escalating tensions between Kannada groups, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, language activists, and Kamal Haasan.

The controversy began when Kamal Haasan, during promotional activities for 'Thug Life', asserted that Kannada evolved from Tamil. This declaration provoked backlash from Kannada activists, who demanded a retraction and an apology from the actor.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce also announced that 'Thug Life' would not be permitted to screen in Karnataka unless an apology was issued. Nevertheless, Kamal Haasan stood firm, stating he would apologize if proven wrong, but not otherwise.

The actor has approached the Karnataka High Court for permission to release and screen 'Thug Life' in the state amid calls for a ban from Kannada organizations.

In a petition submitted through the CEO of Raj Kamal Films International, Kamal Haasan's production company requested the court to direct the Karnataka government, police, and film organizations to allow the release and screening of his film.

The petition also sought orders for the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG and IGP) and the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to ensure security for the film's screening.

Meanwhile, officials from the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, urging him to prevent the release of Kamal Haasan’s 'Thug Life' in Karnataka.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the delegation that his government would act within legal boundaries and promised legal support, highlighting the need for unity regarding language issues.

The film body representatives requested the state's assistance, as they lack the authority to impose a ban on the film. They also encouraged exhibitors to voluntarily avoid screening it.

Following the meeting with the Chief Minister, distributors of 'Thug Life' found themselves in a quandary and sought an additional day from the Kannada Film Chambers of Commerce to reach a decision.

Sources indicate that Kamal Haasan is set to return to Chennai from abroad on Tuesday. The distributors are expected to confer with the actor and finalize decisions regarding the film's screening.