Kerala HC directs ‘Haal’ producers to resubmit film with excisions for fresh certification

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the producers of the Malayalam film Haal, starring Shane Nigam, to resubmit the revised version of the movie to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after making two specific excisions, for issuance of a fresh certificate.

Justice V G Arun issued the order while disposing of a petition filed by the producer, who alleged undue delay by the CBFC in completing the certification process. The court instructed the CBFC to issue a new certificate within two weeks of receiving the resubmitted film.

The court accepted two cuts recommended by the censor board concerning the depiction of court proceedings, the portrayal of cultural organisations, and dialogues referring to Dhwaj Pranam, Abhyanthara Shatrukal, Ganapati Vattam and Sangham Kavalund. It also approved the removal of a scene showing beef biryani consumption and agreed with the suggestion to blur rakhi wherever it appears.

Earlier, the CBFC’s Revising Committee had granted Haal an ‘A’ certificate, stating that the film dealt with sensitive socio-cultural themes and religious issues, making it unsuitable for unrestricted viewing without modifications. The producers approached the court arguing that the film had been forwarded to the Revising Committee without prior notice, which they termed arbitrary.

During the proceedings, both the Catholic Congress and an RSS leader approached the court claiming the film contained objectionable content, and were added as respondents. Justice Arun later viewed the film along with the parties during a special screening in Kochi.

The Assistant Solicitor General of India submitted that the film received an ‘A’ rating due to its mature portrayal of socio- cultural dynamics. The CBFC contended that its experts believed the film misrepresented inter-faith relationships, often discussed under the term ‘love jihad’, and depicted the concerns of Hindu and Christian leaders as unfounded.

The court observed that it could interfere with the CBFC’s decision only if it was unreasonable. Noting cinema’s wide influence, it emphasised the need for regulatory checks. After watching the film, the court found its theme, centred on a Muslim boy and Christian girl whose families eventually accept their relationship, to be in tune with constitutional principles of secularism and fraternity. It concluded that the CBFC’s expert observations did not hold against the film’s broader message.