A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on the appeals challenging the single judge’s order canceling the A certificate issued by the CBFC to the Malayalam film Haal.
Besides the CBFC, the Center and the Catholic Congress have also filed appeals in the matter. During the hearing, the Catholic Congress said the film contained scenes that depicted violent religious conversion. It misrepresented interfaith relations while portraying Bishop Thamarassery as a supporter of such marriages, although his known stance is different.
The organization said it was defamatory, hurt the religious sentiments of the community and could disturb the peace in the society. It also objected to filming the outside of the Bishop’s House without obtaining permission.
The CBFC’s review board earlier this year had suggested removing half a dozen scenes from the film, including one that showed the consumption of beef biriyani and another that portrayed the police in a bad light.
The film was slated to release on September 12. The Single Bench and subsequently the Division Bench watched the film following several petitions filed before the HC, including by the makers of the film.
Published – 8 Dec 2025 20:52 IST
