Kerala High Court Rejects Plea To Stall Movie Allegedly Inspired By Venjaramoodu Mass Murder Case

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (April 7) dismissed the plea preferred against the release of movie 'Kaalam Paranja Kadha', which is allegedly inspired by the Venjaramoodu Mass Murder case.

The plea was preferred by the father of the accused, who stated that the movie may prejudice the trial in the case, which is still pending before the Sessions Court, Thiruvananthapuram.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas pronounced the order today.

The Venjaramoodu Mass Murder case relates to the alleged murder of five relatives of Afan and the attempted murder of his mother. Afan is arrayed as the sole accused in the case pending before the Principal Sessions Court, Thiruvananthapuram.

The petitioner had stated that the movie is causing defamation to his family if the society is able to identify the person through the movie. He further argued that the petitioner's family did not invite public scrutiny and the right of artist to portray an artwork must not trample upon the dignity of a living family. 

While hearing the case, the Court had asked how fair trial could be affected by a movie when. It was also remarked that every movie may be inspired by some real life events and questioned how defamation would stand in the present case.

During the pendency of the proceedings, the film was granted a U/A 16+ certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after it was reviewed by the Revising Committee.

The petitioner had argued that the CBFC has not applied its mind while granting the certification as the same was granted subject to certain minor modifications like muting of a swear word, adding disclaimers, etc. It was contended that the petitioner's grievance remained unaddressed even after the CBFC certification.

The CBFC had opposed the plea and submitted that fair trial would not be affected with the release of the movie, which may have been inspired by the facts of the criminal case.

One of the counsel for the CBFC, who had watched the movie, had stated that the name of the parties, the circumstances, mode of murder was different. She further told that her feeling was that the movie conveyed a message against drugs and online gambling.

The petitioner's counsel had submitted that he is limiting his prayer for a stay on release of the film till the completion of the trial. The Court had then reserved its verdict.

The plea is moved by Advocates Sajju V. and Ajmal A.

Case No: WP(C) No. 3872/2026

Case Title: Abdal Rahim H. v. Union of India and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 190