'Haal' Makers to File Review Petition in Kerala HC

Kochi: The producers of the Malayalam film Haal on Saturday said they would soon approach the Kerala High Court with a review petition against two deletions ordered by the court while directing them to obtain a fresh certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The filmmakers stated that the court’s direction was issued due to a misunderstanding caused by miscommunication from their advocate. The High Court, on Friday, had directed the producers to resubmit the film to the CBFC after implementing two excisions for a fresh certificate. This order came while disposing of a petition filed by the producer, Juby Thomas, who had raised concerns over delays by the CBFC in granting certification. The court instructed the CBFC to issue a fresh certificate within two weeks after examining the resubmitted film.

Rafeek Veera, director of the movie, on Saturday said neither he nor the producer Juby Thomas were aware of the suggestions of deletions made by their advocate at the court. “As parties in the case, we had not informed the court that scenes—including the one depicting the eating of beef biryani—could be removed. That was a mistake by our advocate,” Rafeek Veera told media. He added that the filmmakers had intended to discuss the contested scenes and make a decision later, but the advocate failed to convey this clearly, leading to the court’s order for resubmission.

Rafeek emphasized that the court had upheld creative freedom, noting, “The court observed that since the parties themselves accepted the deletions, it would not examine the merits. But Thomas and I were not aware of it. It was not our decision, and we have not provided anything in writing.” A review petition is expected to be submitted immediately.

The High Court had approved two excisions suggested by the censor board related to depicting court proceedings, demeaning of cultural organisations, and dialogues associated with Dhwaj Pranam, Abhyanthara Shatrukal, Ganapati Vattam, Sangham Kavalund. The court also approved the cut suggested by CBFC on a scene about the consumption of beef biryani, and the suggestion to blur rakhi wherever it appears.

The CBFC Revising Committee had earlier granted the film an A' certificate. The producers approached the court after the CBFC instructed the removal of several scenes during the censoring procedure. Considering the case, Justice Arun viewed the film along with the parties during a special screening held in Kochi last month.

According to the court, it is beyond comprehension as to how the film's theme can be termed as a misrepresentation of inter-faith relationships, or portrayal of legitimate warnings from Hindu and Christian leaders, as unfounded and intolerant. The experts' observations are also unsustainable when pitted against the film's larger theme, the court had said.