A Kerala High Court judge has personally screened the film ‘Haal’. This action comes amid a significant legal dispute over the movie’s censor certificate.
Justice V.G. Arun watched the Shane Nigam-starrer at Color Planet Studio in Padmugal. Director Muhammad Rafeeq confirmed the special viewing.
The screening began around 7 PM and concluded before 9:30 PM. Attendees included the Central Government’s Standing Counsel, a lawyer for the Kerala Catholic Congress, and two priests.
This judicial review follows a petition filed by the film’s director and producer. They accused the Censor Board of excessive delays in issuing the required certificate for public exhibition.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly demanded the removal of several scenes. These included depictions of eating “beef biryani” and certain “Dhvaj Pranam” dialogues.
Producer Juby Thomas and director Muhammad Rafeeq stated the film was budgeted at approximately $1.8 million USD. It was initially slated for an Onam festival release, but its theatrical debut was halted without a clear explanation.
The controversy intensified when the Kerala Catholic Congress petitioned the court. The organization, affiliated with the Syro-Malabar Church, alleged that ‘Haal’ contains objectionable content.
They claimed this material could incite religious animosity. The court subsequently ordered the producer to arrange the special screening for judicial review.