Producers move Karnataka HC against KFCC ban on Kamal Haasan’s new film

BENGALURU: Chennai-based producers of Kamal Haasan-starrer ‘Thug Life’, set to hit the screens Thursday, on Monday filed a petition before Karnataka high court, challenging the ban imposed by Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on the movie’s release in the state.The petitioner has sought a restraint order against KFCC and adequate security to producers, cast and other associated persons. The high court will take up the petition for hearing on Tuesday.The KFCC announced the ban on May 30 following the actor’s remarks that ‘Kannada is born from Tamil’. Raajkamal Films International, the petitioner, said the ground for the KFCC ban is based not on the contents of the movie, but on alleged personal remarks made by Kamal Haasan, the lead actor in the film. It argued that the action of KFCC in issuing a press release or public declarations announcing a ban is arbitrary and illegal.KFCC president M Narasimhalu told a news agency they will not allow the movie’s screening unless the actor offers an apology, and confirmed that film distributors were awaiting a conversation with Haasan. “We will respond after reviewing court developments,” he added. Reports suggested South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce has reached out to Kamal Haasan to resolve the situation.In the high court, the movie producers claimed Central Board of Film Certification has issued a certificate under Cinematograph Act. Hence, the ban infringes upon fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g).It further argued that ‘Thug Life’ has no characters, dialogues or opinions on the relationship between the two languages.Mandya MLA Ravikumar Ganiga Monday said Ooty and Hosur were once part of the erstwhile Mysore state. Though now in Tamil Nadu, these areas historically belong to Karnataka and should be merged back, he said.The MLA criticised what he described as a pattern of disregard from Tamil Nadu toward Karnataka’s interests.