Kamal Haasan's 'Kannada language is born out of Tamil' remark and his refusal to issue an apology, claiming that it was 'made out of love,' led to the Thug Life ban in Karnataka. Yet, his followers continue to show no signs of abating, stating on social media that they would drive 42 kilometres to see his Tamil gangster drama in theatres.

Kamal Haasan's fans celebrated outside theatres following Thug Life's Thursday premiere. While some shared the movie's early review, others dropped pictures and videos of the screening. 

Hosur24x7, a verified page, posted a photo of fans setting off firecrackers outside a Hosur single-screen theatre. Approximately 500 people travelled from Bengaluru to the Tamil Nadu theatre to see Thug Life, as per their post. "Amid controversy over Kamal Haasan’s remark that 'Kannada originated from Tamil,' the film Thug Life did not release in Karnataka on June 5. In response, over 500 Kamal fans from Tumkur, Mandya, and Bengaluru flocked to Hosur, where the film was screened. They celebrated with crackers, dancing, and DJ performances outside Balaji Theater (sic)," read the caption.

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Kamal Haasan remarks made during a promotional tour in Karnataka appear to have eclipsed Thug Life, even though it is Mani Ratnam and veteran star's first movie in over forty years following the 1987 blockbuster Nayakan. During a hearing on a request seeking protection for the film's release in the state, the Karnataka High Court criticised the actor on Tuesday for failing to offer an apology. The judge questioned whether the actor was a linguist or a historian and said that a 'single apology' could have resolved the situation.

Thug Life Plot And Cast

In New Delhi, Manikyam (Nassar) and Rangaraya Sakthiraju (Kamal Haasan) are influential criminals.  Sakthiraju finds a child named Amar (Simbu) during a shootout when he was younger and raises him as his own. Amar seizes control of the empire after Sakthiraju is imprisoned for years. Amar, however, turns against his tutor after a regrettable episode.  He joins forces with opposing gang members to overthrow Sakthiraju because he is consumed by retaliation.  Why did the two have a fall out? Is Sakthiraju going to live? What happened to Amar's family and what is his past? 

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Kamal, Silambarasan TR, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Baburaj, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Joju George are the main cast members of Thug Life.