Film ‘Haal’ in court after CBFC denies clearance over beef biryani, heroine in Pardha

When propaganda films like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files are celebrated and even honoured with national awards, Malayalam films that are subtly critical of the government or highlight minority narratives face the CBFC’s axe, as the Shane Nigam-starrer Haal has moved the Kerala High Court against the board’s demand to cut scenes showing beef biryani, a heroine in pardha, and references to “Ganapatathi vattam,” “Dhwaja pranamam,” and the “Sangh.”

The CBFC reportedly denied certification to the film, directed by Veera, citing objections to scenes and dialogues it deemed controversial, and suggested six modifications, including blurring of certain visuals and deleting a sequence where the female lead hides her identity in Muslim religious attire.

The filmmakers, however, have challenged what they describe as unjust and arbitrary censorship that undermines creative freedom and artistic expression, arguing that the film contains no material that could offend religious sentiments or disturb public order.

Initially planned for release on September 12 after the censorship process scheduled for the 10th, the film’s release was first postponed to September 19, and then indefinitely delayed as the certification procedure remained incomplete. The Kerala High Court, hearing the plea, granted time to the central government’s counsel to take instructions in the matter and posted the next hearing for October 14.

The director alleged that the board’s objections extend beyond visuals and dialogues to include a rap song performed by the lead actor, Shane Nigam, which was flagged for allegedly containing anti-government lines. He said such repeated interventions have not only delayed the film’s release but also jeopardised an already risky project, warning that such censorship threatens the country’s creative landscape.

Producers and industry voices have expressed dismay at the CBFC’s actions, calling them a direct intrusion into freedom of expression, especially at a time when Malayalam cinema has earned recognition for its social relevance and artistic courage. Many believe the board’s approach reflects an ideological bias that aligns with Hindutva sensitivities, silencing minority narratives or politically uncomfortable content.

The controversy over Haal follows a pattern, as seen when Janaki vs State of Kerala and L2: Empuraan were also subjected to arbitrary cuts or title changes under similar pretexts. As filmmakers and artists rally behind Haal, the case is set to test not just the boundaries of censorship but also the resilience of artistic freedom in contemporary India.