The Karnaraka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) imposed a state-wide ban on the release of upcoming Tamil movie Thug Life, co-written, co-produced, and headlined by Kamal Haasan. Thug Life releases in theaters worldwide on June 5, 2025, and bookings for the movie are open everywhere but Karnataka. With just 3 days left for Thug Life's release, Kamal Haasan has filed a petition with the Karnataka high court, seeking a lift on Thug Life ban.

A petition filed by Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), one of the production houses backing Thug Life, claims that action of the 5th Respondent i.e. the KFCC, infringes on the petitioner's rights guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution of India. The plea also complains of 'inaction' by concerned state authorities, to implement security measures for peaceful release of Thug Life in Karnataka. 

Tagging the Thug Life ban as 'illegal' and 'ultra vires', RKFI's plea seeks 'appropriate security wherever and whenever necessary' to ensure uninterrupted exhibition of the film on date of release, and all subsequent days of screening.

Thug Life written and directed by Mani Ratnam, also stars Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, among others. The U/A censored action drama has AR Rahman for music, and follows the story of an aging gangster (Kamal Haasan), and his tangled destiny with his adopted son (Silambarasan TR). 

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce imposed a ban on Thug Life after pro-Kannada outfits took offense with Kamal Haasan's remarks that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil'.

Kamal Haasan was asked to apologize for this Kannada language row if he wants to see the unhindered release of his movie, but the Thug Life star refused to stating, "I've been threatened before, and if I am wrong, I would apologize. If I'm not, I won't. It's my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it."