Afan's father seeks Kerala HC stay on film linked to mass murder case
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Kochi: The father of the accused in the Venjaramoodu mass murder case has approached the Kerala High Court seeking to restrain the release of a film he claims is based on the incident.
The petition was filed by Abdal Rahim, father of A R Afan, who was arrested for allegedly killing his brother, uncle, aunt and girlfriend at Venjaramoodu in Thiruvananthapuram on February 24, 2025. Afan is also accused of attempting to murder his mother, who survived with injuries.
Rahim has challenged the release of the film Kaalam Paranja Kadha, directed by Prasad Nooranad, arguing that its release would amount to a media trial, influence witnesses and prejudice his son’s right to a fair trial. He further contended that the film would damage the reputation and dignity of the family.
The petitioner has sought a ban on all promotional activities related to the film, including the release of trailers and teasers, and urged the court to restrain the release or publication of any content based on the murder case until the trial is concluded.
The respondents named in the petition include the Union of India, the Central Board of Film Certification and its regional officer, the State Police Chief, Karunagappally MLA Krishnankutty, and film director Prasad Nooranad.
Responding to the petition, Nooranad told PTI that the film has no connection with the Venjaramoodu murder case. He said that while the film also revolves around a murder within a family, it is unrelated to the incident in question and that the family may have formed such an impression after watching the recently released trailer.
The director said he would place his stand before the court and expressed readiness for a pre-release screening if directed. He added that the film is scheduled for release soon.
With PTI inputs