HC admits "Kathakali" director’s plea against censor board order

Kochi: The High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification and the central government on a petition by a filmmaker against the cut order by the censor board for his movie on grounds of alleged nudity and vulgarity.

Admitting the petition filed by Saijo Kannanaikkal against cuts ordered by the board in three vital parts of his movie "Kathakali", Justice P B Suresh Kumar directed authorities to produce the Bombay High Court order clearing the decks for the release of the Bollywood movie "Udta Punjab" after deleting a urination scene and displaying a revised disclaimer.

The judge posted the case for next week for further hearing.

Kannanaikkal approached the high court yesterday against the CBFC for insisting on removal of the portions, which, according to him, were the 'soul' of "Kathakali".

He alleged that the Board's move was an infringement on the creative freedom of a filmmaker and his hardships and toils to make his movie dreams a reality.