The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has allegedly denied certification to the Malayalam film “Haal,” citing objections to a scene featuring beef biryani and dialogues referring to “Ganapatathi vattam,” “Dhwaja pranamam,” and the “Sangh.”
The board has also reportedly objected to another scene in which the heroine disguises herself in Muslim religious attire to conceal her identity, asking the filmmakers to remove it and blur portions showing a Rakhi.
In Exhibit P6, six modifications are suggested by the board.
The film, starring Shane Nigam and directed by Veera, has now been taken to the Kerala High Court after the makers challenged what they described as the CBFC’s “unjust” demands to cut the scenes and dialogues before granting a screening certificate.
According to the plea, though the movie was planned to be released on September 12 under the impression that the censorship procedure would be completed on the 10th, it was later postponed to September 19, but even on that date, the procedure was not finalized.
On Thursday, Justice N. Nagaresh of the Kerala High Court granted time to the central government’s counsel, asking them to take instructions in the matter and posted the case for further hearing on October 14, according to Live Law.
“It is the director’s right to decide whether it’s beef biryani, mutton, or anything else. The CBFC’s demands are very strange,” director Veera said.
Director Veera said the CBFC’s actions were “not ethical,” adding, “Even if we agree to make these cuts, we were told the film would still receive only an ‘A’ certificate. Our movie has no violence or nudity; it’s a family entertainer. Let the court examine the content and decide. The film does not insult any religion or faith; it carries a positive message.”
He emphasized that the team believes in the judiciary and is confident the court will determine whether there has been any external pressure behind the CBFC’s stance.
The director alleged that earlier, a rap song sung by the hero, Shane Nigam, was also flagged by the CBFC for allegedly containing anti-government lines, and he was asked to make changes.
He added that the delays in the film’s release are further jeopardizing a project that already carries risks.
“If censorship continues to target artists this easily,” he said, highlighting, “creative freedom and artistic expression in our country will suffer greatly.”
Malayalam film producer Santhosh Kuruvila voiced strong criticism of the CBFC’s move against Haal, calling it “a direct intrusion into freedom of expression and artistic creativity.”
Kuruvila said, “Every art lover wants Haal to be released without a single cut or wound,” describing it as “a very good film” that deals with “a socially relevant subject.”
He said the film’s theme is “deeply connected to our times” and “bound to spark important political and social discussions.”
“I still can’t understand,” Kuruvila said, “what exactly justifies such heavy censorship. Filmmakers in this country must be allowed to speak about social realities.”
He added that both he and other producers were “extremely anxious” about the situation.
“After spending crores and completing the shoot, being forced to do such cutting and shaving of the film is truly heartbreaking,” he said.
“In an era when technology has advanced so much and content flows freely across borders, what is the relevance of this kind of rigid and insensitive censorship?” Kuruvila asked.
He pointed out that “criticism, even harsh or extreme, does not harm the culture or integrity of our country.”
According to him, “What deserves to stand will stand; what doesn’t will fade away, that’s what history has always shown.”
Critics argue that under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government since 2014, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has exhibited biases aligned with Hindutva ideology and has often imposed arbitrary cuts that suppress dissent, minority narratives, or politically sensitive topics.
The CBFC’s demands for modifications are frequently described as capricious, subjective, and disconnected from legal guidelines, often yielding to fringe protests or moral policing rather than relying on evidence-based review.
Malayalam cinema, known for its bold storytelling, has increasingly clashed with the CBFC over allegations of ideological bias and arbitrary censorship.
Critics contend that the board has leaned toward Hindutva sensitivities, demanding cuts to scenes addressing religious harmony, minority issues, beef consumption, or historical events such as the 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim riots.
The CBFC’s decisions are often accused of preemptively appeasing Hindu majoritarian sentiments, frequently citing vague provisions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, like “public order,” “morality,” or “communal harmony.”
In June, for example, the CBFC refused certification to Janaki vs State of Kerala, a courtroom drama on a rape survivor’s quest for justice starring BJP Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi, demanding a title change from “Janaki,” another name for Goddess Sita, to V Janaki to avoid offending Hindu sentiments.
In April, the makers of L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and facing a hate campaign by Hindutva groups over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat Muslim genocide, made 24 cuts to the film, with the deletions approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
A total of 2 minutes and 8 seconds have been cut from the film, with the longest single edit being a 29-second scene depicting violence against Muslim women by right-wing Hindu men.
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