Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 18 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to pro-Kannada organisations to abide by the Supreme Court order, which directed the state government to ensure the screening of the Kamal Haasan-starrer movie 'Thug Life'.

Kannada activists have been protesting against the screening of the movie after the 70-year-old actor's comments about the Kannada language sparked a major controversy.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked the Karnataka government for an explanation within 24 hours regarding the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka.

Reacting to the order, Shivakumar said, 'We should all respect the order given by the court in the Kamal Haasan case. I appeal to pro-Kannada organisations that we should not cross our limits and should be peaceful. No one should take the law into their own hands. Our state is a peace-loving state.'

The Deputy CM underlined that Karnataka has always been a peace-loving state.

Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles, was released in cinema halls across the country on June 5.

Earlier, Film Actor Kamal Haasan on Monday moved to the Karnataka High Court, seeking release of his upcoming movie Thug Life in the state on June 5.

This came after the actor's upcoming film, Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam, faced trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology.

The actor filed this petition through the CEO of his company, Rajkamal Film International.

Earlier, in response to the growing backlash, Hassan stood by his statement, saying he believes in law and democracy.

Terming India a 'democratic country', the actor stated that he wouldn't 'apologise' to anyone for his actions if he is 'not wrong'. Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people.

Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai on Friday, Haasan said, 'It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Nobody will doubt it except for those who have an agenda. 'I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise; if I'm not, I won't.' (ANI)