CBFC Takes Issue With Beef Biryani, Burqa Scenes In Malayalam Film ‘Haal’: Makers Move Kerala High Court
The makers of the upcoming Malayalam film ‘Haal’, starring Shane Nigam, have approached the Kerala High Court against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s directions to delete or modify several scenes and lines of dialogue before the film can be screened publicly.
The CBFC reportedly sought the deletion of a scene depicting the eating of beef biriyani and a sequence in a song where a woman uses a burqa to conceal her identity.
In addition, the board requested cuts to certain lines of dialogue referencing “dhwaj pranamam”, “Ganapati Vattam”, and “abhyantara shatrukkal”, which touch upon socio-political and religious sensitivities.
The board also asked for modifications to a police interrogation scene, blurring the name of Holy Angels College of Nursing, and obtaining consent from the Thamrassery Bishop for depictions of him in the film. The CBFC stated that the film could be suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults, subject to these changes.
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Director Veera expressed concern over the board’s approach, noting that the regional office had initially agreed to issue a certificate. He said, “Our film does not depict violence or cruelty. It is about an interfaith love story where both the bride and groom choose to remain in their faith. We are sending a positive message that nobody should clash over religion.”
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The petitioners, including producer Juby Thomas, requested the High Court to direct the CBFC to issue a screening certificate at the earliest. They also sought the framing of fresh guidelines for censorship applications and proposed that an advocate commission view the film to report its contents to the court.
The court, led by Justice N. Nagaresh, has admitted the petition and sought a response from the CBFC in the next hearing scheduled for October 14, 2025.
