Kerala High Court to review Shane Nigam’s film ‘Haal’ amid censorship controversy

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday agreed to watch the upcoming film Haal, starring Shane Nigam, following a censorship dispute over certain scenes flagged by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The CBFC had directed the filmmakers to remove a sequence depicting beef biryani and dialogues referring to a ceremonial salute. The move led to a delay in issuing the censor certificate, stalling the film’s release.

During the hearing, counsel for the filmmakers maintained that there was nothing objectionable in the film and requested the court, or a representative nominated by it, to watch the movie before passing any order.

Justice V.G. Arun said he would personally view the film and announce the date for the screening on Tuesday. He also instructed that a CBFC representative and the standing counsel be present during the screening.

The filmmakers expressed a wish for additional viewers to be permitted during the court-ordered viewing.

The dispute stems from the Board’s objection to the line, “Dhwaja Pranama, the team is on guard,” along with a scene showing the consumption of beef biryani. The producers have challenged the order in court, arguing that the proposed cuts undermine artistic freedom and alter the narrative.

Directed by debutant Veer, Haal was originally scheduled for release on September 12 but was postponed due to the controversy. The film features Sakshi Vaidya in the female lead, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Johnny Antony, Nath, Vineeth Beep Kumar, K. Madhupal, Sangeetha Madhavan Nair, Joy Mathew, Nishant Sagar, Niyas Becker, Riyas Narmakala, Suresh Krishna, Ravindran, Sohan Seenulal, Manoj KU, Unniraj and Sreedhanya.

The film, described as one of Nigam’s biggest projects to date, will be released in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, and also marks the Malayalam debut of Bollywood singer Ankit Tiwari.

The court’s ruling is now awaited by fans and industry insiders, as it could set an important precedent for future cases involving artistic expression and censorship in Indian cinema.

Meanwhile, the High Court also permitted the Catholic Congress to intervene in an ongoing case related to the film.

In an affidavit, the organisation’s president stated, “The film’s content and plot appear to promote the concept of ‘Love Jihad’ as an acceptable practice and portray the Bishop of Thamarassery as endorsing such objectionable activities. I respectfully submit that if these scenes are allowed and the film is released in its current form, it could hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community and disturb social peace and harmony.”

The court will also hear this plea on Tuesday.