Supreme Court affirms cinema's rights

The Supreme Court's direction to Karnataka government to ensure the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life, while flagging concerns over 'extra-judicial' ban, reinforces freedom of expression and right of theatres to screen controversial films. But cinemas still hesitate to release such films unless law enforcement provides effective protection, said experts.

- Lata Jha

"The Supreme Court directive reinforces the principle that freedom of expression cannot be stifled by threats or public pressure," said Tanu Banerjee, partner at Khaitan & Co. "It sends a strong message that states have a duty to protect lawful film releases, which could encourage similar judicial protection for other contentious works in future."

India has a long history of theatrical releases being disrupted due to protests. This includes Aamir Khan's 2006 film Fanaa that never released in many theatres in Gujarat after protests against Khan's criticism of the state government's handling of Narmada dam project. Period drama