Bengaluru, June 18 (UNI) The Bengaluru Police on Wednesday issued a formal notice to the Karnataka Rakshna Vedike (KRV), stating that the Kamal Haasan-starrer film 'Thug Life' will be released in Karnataka as scheduled, in accordance with the recent directions of the Supreme Court.

The police have warned that any protests, dharnas, or demonstrations against the film must be confined strictly to the designated protest area at Freedom Park. The notice cautions that any attempt to stage agitations elsewhere in the city will attract stringent legal action.

In a clear message to pro-Kannada groups opposing the film’s release, police have also pasted a copy of the notice at the residence of prominent Kannada activist Praveen Shetty.

The development comes amid heightened tensions and calls for a statewide protest against the film’s release by sections of Kannada organisations, who allege that Kamal Hassan's remarks have hurt Kannada pride and portrays the language and culture in a poor light.

Earlier this week, petitions were filed in both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the release. However, the apex court declined to intervene, stating that the film had already been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and that artistic expression could not be curbed on speculative grounds.

Despite the legal green signal, Kannada outfits have vowed to intensify their protests, triggering security concerns. In response, police have ramped up deployment in key locations including cinema halls screening the film and offices of pro-Kannada organisations.

Bengaluru Police reiterated that the law will be enforced firmly and any disruption to public order will be dealt with sternly. “The right to protest must be exercised within the bounds of law. Freedom Park is the only designated location for such activities,” they said.

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