Thug Life controversy: How Kamal Haasan's Karnataka fans are watching the movie despite statewide ban

Kamal Haasan’s much-awaited film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, hit theatres across India on June 5, 2025. While the release was celebrated in most parts of the country, fans in Karnataka were left disappointed after the film was banned in the state due to a language row. However, that hasn’t stopped determined fans from finding a way to watch the movie.

Refusing to miss what is being seen as a historic collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 36 years, fans from Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka have been travelling to Hosur, Tamil Nadu—just 42 kilometres away—to watch the film in theatres.

From Bengaluru to Hosur: A 42 Km Journey for Cinema

In response to the ban, many fans took to social media to share how they bypassed the restriction. One video posted on X showed fans gathered outside a single-screen theatre in Hosur, bursting firecrackers and celebrating the release. The caption read, “Thuglife is banned in Karnataka, but no one can stop our love for Kamal Haasan. All the fans in Bangalore are gathered here in Hosur!”

The excitement outside theatres in Tamil Nadu reflected the admiration fans hold for Kamal Haasan. For many, the inconvenience of travelling was insignificant compared to the opportunity to witness their favourite actor on the big screen.

Fans Seek Clarification Online

Discussions around the travel also surfaced on Reddit, where one user from Bengaluru asked if it would be safe to visit Hosur to watch Thug Life. The user wrote, “Big Kamal Haasan fan here from Bengaluru. Is it safe to come to Hosur tomorrow by bike to watch THUG LIFE? Don't get offended please... I just don't want my vehicle's tyre to be punctured or vehicle scratched.”

In response, another fan reassured that it should be safe, pointing out the shared vehicle registration presence between the two regions. Others also noted that Hosur sees many KA-registered vehicles regularly, and Tamil audiences were unlikely to be offended by their presence.

What Sparked the Ban in Karnataka

The ban stems from a statement made by Kamal Haasan during a promotional event. While addressing the audience, the actor said, “Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil,” which triggered strong reactions from several pro-Kannada groups. A complaint was filed, and the Karnataka High Court later criticized the actor for not issuing an apology. The judge noted that the issue could have been resolved with a “single apology” and questioned the actor's authority on the subject.

Despite the backlash, Kamal Haasan maintained that his words were misunderstood. In a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), he clarified, “It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch, spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar’s family, especially Shiva Rajkumar has been misunderstood and taken out of context. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in any way.”

About ‘Thug Life’

Thug Life brings together Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after nearly four decades, their last collaboration being the 1987 film Nayakan. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj.