Kochi: The Kerala High Court has taken the unusual step of personally screening the upcoming Malayalam film Haal, starring Shane Nigam, following a petition filed by its makers challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) directive for extensive cuts.
The court bench led by V. G. Arun has set a screening date of 25 October at Kakkanad, where the film will be viewed ahead of its release. The petitioners—producer Juby Thomas and director Muhammed Rafeeq (Veera)—argue that the CBFC’s demands compromise the film’s narrative integrity.
Certification Dispute
The CBFC issued a notice on 6 October asking the makers to remove or alter as many as 15 scenes. Among the flagged content were sequences involving the lead character wearing Muslim religious attire, a scene showing consumption of beef biryani, and certain dialogues referencing “Dhwaja Pranam,” “Ganapathi Vattam,” and “Sangham Kawalund”. The CBFC also recommended blurring of rakhi images wherever they appear.
Court’s Involvement
The High Court’s decision to view the film itself underscores the gravity of the dispute. Following the screening, the court will decide on the certification route and will further examine whether the requested cuts are justified.
Film Release Status
Originally planned for release on 12 September, the film’s launch has been delayed due to the certification hold-up. The production budget reportedly stands at around ₹15 crore.
Legal and Industry Implications
The case draws attention to the tension between creative freedom and regulatory oversight in Indian cinema. Observers say the court’s eventual decision may set a precedent for how future films navigating religious or cultural sensitivities are treated.