CBFC orders cuts in Malayalam film 'Haal', cites religious sensitivities
Kochi (PTI): CBFC has directed the removal of several scenes, including those depicting the eating of beef biriyani and dialogues on 'dhwaj pranam', from the upcoming Malayalam movie 'Haal' starring Shine Nigam.
The committee, on the recommendation of its Revising Committee, granted an ‘A’ certificate to the film, noting that its narrative addressed socio-cultural dynamics and involved religious sensitivities.
It said the film was not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition but could be released for adults with certain modifications, as stated in the letter.
In a letter to producer Juby Thomas of JVJ Productions, the Central Board of Film Certification said the excisions and alterations specified in the annexure should be carried out before the certificate is issued.
The annexure mentions the removal of a song sequence where the character Maria uses Muslim attire to conceal her identity, deletion of scenes stereotyping communities, such as a police interrogation of schoolboys and a dialogue referring to Kannadigas, and removal of dialogues and scenes affecting Christian sentiments.
It also calls for the excision 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 asked for the deletion of beef biriyani eating scenes and the blurring of ‘Rakhi’ visuals wherever they appear.
Meanwhile, 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.
In July this year, a similar issue arose when the CBFC flagged the name of the movie 'Janaki vs State of Kerala'.
Later, the makers of the movie decided to change the name to 'Janaki V v/s State of Kerala'.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
