CBFC directs to cut 'beef biryani eating scenes', 'Dhawajpranam' from Shane Nigam's 'Haal'; makers move HC

Kochi: The Censor Board has reportedly issued unusual directives to the makers of the upcoming Shane Nigam-starrer 'Haal', asking for several scenes and dialogues to be removed.

Among the 19 suggested cuts, the board has asked the filmmakers to delete references such as “Dhawaj Pranam”, “Sangham Kavalundu” (the organisation is watching), and a scene showing characters eating beef biryani. Additionally, it has recommended blurring the Rakhi ceremony wherever it appears in the film.
According to reports, the film has not yet received a censor certificate.

In response, JVJ Productions, the film’s producer, has approached the Kerala High Court, arguing that the board’s instructions violate the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

In the petition, JVJ Productions highlighted the practical difficulties filmmakers face due to the board’s intervention at this stage. The petition notes that films are usually censored after completion, and by that time, production costs are substantial.

If changes are demanded post-production, it could cause significant financial losses, disrupt the continuity of the narrative, and even risk bankrupting the production team. The petition warns that such practices could discourage future film production, potentially harming the decades-long legacy of Malayalam cinema.

The petition also calls for a two-stage censorship system: one at the script stage and another after the film’s completion. According to JVJ Productions, scripts should be approved first, with the film made strictly according to the approved script. The final cut should then be compared with the censored script to issue the certificate, reducing unnecessary stress and financial risk for filmmakers.

Directed by debutant Veera, 'Haal' marks one of the most expensive films in Shane Nigam’s career and his return as a romantic lead after 'Little Hearts'. Sakshi Vaidya plays the female lead, with Johny Antony, Nishanth Sagar, Madhupal, and Joy Mathew in supporting roles. The film is written by Nishad Koya, known for works such as 'Ordinary', 'Madhura Naranga', 'Thoppil Joppan', and 'Shikkari Shambu'.

'Haal' also marks a first for Bollywood singer Atif Aslam, who has sung for a Malayalam film. The movie is gearing up for a simultaneous release in Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.