The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently asked the makers of the Malayalam film Haal, starring Shane Nigam in the lead role, to remove certain scenes and dialogues from the film. The CBFC cited religious sensitivities for the changes. Subsequently, the Revising Committee, which granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, flagged certain scenes involving religion and culture, stating the film was not suitable for unrestricted public viewing. The filmmakers have now approached the Kerala High Court, challenging the board’s directive.
CBFC suggests changes
In a letter to producer Juby Thomas of JVJ Productions, the CBFC noted that the cuts and alterations specified in the annexure should be carried out before the certificate is issued. The annexure stated the removal of a song sequence where the character Maria is seen using Muslim attire to conceal her identity, the deletion of scenes stereotyping communities, such as a police interrogation of schoolboys along with a dialogue referring to Kannadigas. It also sought removal of dialogues and scenes affecting Christian sentiments.
The CBFC also calls for the chopping of court-related documents and data, as well as dialogues and visuals deemed derogatory to cultural organisations, including references to `dhwaj pranam`, `Ganapathi vattam`, and `sangham kavalund`. `Dhwaj pranam` means salutation to the flag and is associated with the RSS. `Ganapathi vattam` was a name suggested by BJP leaders for Sultan Bathery in Wayanad. `Sangham Kavalund` implies “the Sangh will protect you”.
The committee has also reportedly asked for the deletion of beef biriyani eating scenes as well as the blurring of Rakhi visuals wherever they appear.
Makers move to HC
As reported by The Indian Express, director Prasanth Vijayakumar expressed disappointment, saying, “Our movie has no violence and is a family entertainer. Let the court look into the content and decide. The film does not insult any religion or faith. The CBFC’s demands are very strange. It’s a movie that carries a good message.”
The producer and director of `Haal` have approached the Kerala High Court, alleging an inordinate delay by the CBFC in issuing the censorship certificate. In their petition, producer Juby Thomas and director Muhammed Rafeek claimed the film, which cost nearly Rs 15 crore, was initially planned as an Onam release, but its clearance has been held up without explanation.
The petition said the movie was screened before the censor board on September 10, after which they were informed that further communication would follow. However, the application was later forwarded to the Revising Committee without any intimation, which the petitioners described as “illegal and arbitrary”, the petition said.
They argued that the film contains no violence or cruelty, apart from criticism of certain social evils, and that the delay amounts to a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.
The petition sought interim relief, directing the censor board to process their application, and also urged the court to consider framing fresh guidelines for censorship, including a two-stage system, one at the script stage and another after completion of the film.
The High Court has also been requested to appoint an advocate commissioner to watch the film and report on its content. The court has decided to consider the petition again on October 14.
(With inputs from PTI)
