'Will Not Affect Fair Trial': CBFC Opposes In Kerala High Court Plea To Stall Movie Allegedly Inspired By Venjaramoodu Murder Case

The Central Board of Film Certification on Tuesday (February 10) submitted before the Kerala High Court that though the movie 'Kaalam Paranja Kadha' may have been inspired by the Venjaramoodu Mass Murder case, the same will not affect the trial of the accused.Justice Bechu Kurian was considering a plea 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.When the matter came up for consideration today, the central government counsel, who was appearing on behalf of the Union government, the CBFC and its Regional Officer, told the Court that she went to the screening of the movie as a legal expert and thereafter, compared the FIRs of the case with the movie. She submitted that the name of the parties, the circumstances, mode of murder, everything was different. She further told that her feeling was that the movie conveyed a message against drugs and online gambling.The counsel then submitted that the report by the Examination committee was sent to the CBFC for approval and the CBFC is yet to certify it.The petitioner's counsel, however, contended that the movie portrays the police's version of the story only. He also submitted that the movie is causing defamation to the petitioner's 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 right of artist to portray an artwork must not trample upon the dignity of a living family. He also expressed his willingness to watch the movie.The counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that the contents of the trailer establishes defamation and Censor Board will look only into the violence or the vulgarity of a movie but would not see if there is defamation or whether it affects free trial.Considering the submissions, the Court posted the matter to next week to obtain the report of the CBFC.Meanwhile, the filmmakers have submitted a counter affidavit to the plea. In the counter, they have denied that the movie is directly inspired by the case. They have submitted that the movie will not create any trial by media or, influence witnesses or the public. Further, it is submitted that the movie is based on the vices existing in the society and will not damage the reputation of any person. They also asserted that the misleading social media posts are not based on the film's production team.In reply to the counter, the petitioner has contended that "the movie's announcement, promotional content, narrative similarity, public perception and social media discourse clearly establish that the movie draws direct or indirect inspiration from the Venjaramoodu incidents, which form the subject matter of pending Sessions Trials."It is further submitted in the reply that even indirect portrayal or thematic resemblance that is capable of identify the accused or the alleged incident is enough to prejudice fair trail. The petitioner has also replied to the filmmakers' argument that the viral social media posts would not affect trial. According to the petitioner, digital platforms have instantaneous, irreversible and mass impact on public opinion.The plea is moved by Advocates Sajju V. and Ajmal A.Case No: WP(C) No. 3872/2026Case Title: Abdal Rahim H. v. Union of India and Ors.

'Will Not Affect Fair Trial': CBFC Opposes In Kerala High Court Plea To Stall Movie Allegedly Inspired By Venjaramoodu Murder Case

K. Salma Jennath

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