Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The Supreme Court of India has stepped into a significant legal battle between the producers of Kamal Haasan's upcoming blockbuster, Thug Life, and the Government of Karnataka over a rule that mandates prime-time screenings for local language films.
The controversy centers on a 2018 Karnataka state rule requiring all multiplexes to screen a Kannada or Tulu language film on at least one of their screens during prime viewing hours, which are defined as 1:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Kamal Haasan's production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, filed a petition challenging this regulation. Represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, the producers argue that the rule is an "unreasonable restriction" that violates their constitutional right to conduct business freely. They contend that this "protectionist policy" unfairly limits the number of screens available for big-budget, non-Kannada films like Thug Life, thereby hurting their commercial potential and box office collections.
After hearing the producers' initial arguments, the Supreme Court issued a formal notice to the Karnataka government, demanding a response to the challenge. The court has also "tagged" this case with other similar petitions that have previously been filed against the same rule, indicating it will consider them together.
This case highlights a broader, ongoing debate in India's diverse film industry: the push to promote and protect regional cinema versus the free-market principles that allow high-demand films, regardless of language, to secure maximum screening slots. The court's eventual decision will have significant implications for film distribution and exhibition rules across the country.
Thug Life, a highly anticipated Tamil action film, is directed by Mani Ratnam and also stars Silambarasan and Trisha Krishnan.
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