“Depictions Of Black Magic Tarnish Family Reputation”: Plea In Kerala High Court Seeks Revocation Of License Of Mammootty's Film 'Brahmayugam'

The Kerala High Court today heard a plea challenging the movie Brahmayugam, specifically the depiction of the lead character 'Kunjumon Potty.The petitioner is the head of Punjamon Illam, a traditional Brahmin household in Kerala. It was stated that the petitioners family lineage, historically engaged in ritualistic practises documented in the book “Aithihymala.”The petitioner claimed that the portrayal of the main character in the film is negative and defamatory and would tarnish their family's reputation. “If the name of the lead character and its traditional home is not changed the same will cause serious prejudice to the petitioner, his family members, ancestors and successors” stated the plea.Justice Devan Ramachandran heard the matter. The petitioner sought to revoke the film's certification arguing that the film depicts the character 'Kunjumon Potty' as a mantrik with negative connotations.It was argued that in the movie, the lead character is portrayed negatively, performing black magic and other socially unacceptable performances.It was added that the story line was not a true depiction of the petitioner's ancestor and was created only to defame the petitioner and his family. It was further anrgued that the lead role being played by renowned actor Mammootty will influence the public impression of the family.The plea was based on Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 dealing with defamatory materials. The petitioner sought to revoke the certification of the film under Section 5E of the Act if the respondents wouldn't comply with their demand to change the name of the character. The counsel for the respondents submitted that they had applied to the Central Board of Film Certification to change the name of the lead character to 'Kodumon Potty'. Counsel for the central government sought time to verify whether the change had been accepted and added that the application would be considered today.Matter has been posted for tomorrow and notice has been issued to all parties.The plea has been moved by Advocate G Sreekumar Chelur.Case Title: PM Gopi v. Union of India and ors.Case Number: WP(C) No. 5371 of 2023

“Depictions Of Black Magic Tarnish Family Reputation”: Plea In Kerala High Court Seeks Revocation Of License Of Mammootty's Film 'Brahmayugam'

Rubayya Tasneem

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