The Supreme Court of India has intervened in two high-profile film release controversies in Karnataka and Delhi. In Karnataka, the court took suo moto cognizance of the de facto ban on the Tamil film 'Thug Life,' starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, following threats and protests by fringe groups and pro-Kannada activists. The Supreme Court criticized the Karnataka High Court's ban and the state's handling of the situation, emphasizing that films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) must be released nationwide and that mobs cannot dictate law or film screenings. The court directed the Karnataka government to ensure the safe and unimpeded release of 'Thug Life,' provide security to theatres, and take action against those threatening violence or obstructing the film's screening. The Karnataka government filed an affidavit assuring no ban was imposed and pledged to maintain law and order and protect all stakeholders involved. The Supreme Court disposed of the matter after being satisfied with the state's response and underscored the rule of law over vigilante actions. Separately, the Supreme Court declined to stay the release of 'Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder,' a film based on the 2022 murder of a Rajasthan-based tailor, Kanhaiya Lal. The plea to halt the film's release was filed by one of the accused in the murder case. However, the Delhi High Court subsequently issued an interim stay on the film's release until the Central Government decides on a revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind challenging the CBFC's certification of the film. The Supreme Court deferred further hearings on the matter to July 21, asking the filmmakers to await the decision of a Centre-appointed panel reviewing objections against the movie. The film's producer, Amit Jani, has challenged the Delhi High Court's stay order in the Supreme Court. The son of Kanhaiya Lal, Yash Sahu, expressed support for the film's release and criticized those opposing it. The legal proceedings continue amid concerns over potential communal tensions arising from the film's content.