Can’t stall release of movie even if based on recent crime: Kerala HC

Kochi: High court has held that even if a movie has a storyline based on a recent crime, courts cannot interfere with or stall its release on the assumption that it may affect the trial, so long as it remains a work of art.The bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the ruling while dismissing a petition by H Abdal Rahim of Thiruvananthapuram, the father of Affan, the sole accused in the 2025 Venjarammoodu mass murder case, challenging the theatrical release of the film Kaalam Paranja Kadha (The Tale Told by Time), which was alleged to be inspired by the case. The case involves the murder of the accused's grandmother, brother, uncle, aunt and girlfriend, along with an attempt to murder his mother, and is currently pending trial before a sessions court.The petitioner contended that releasing a film based on the alleged crime while the trial is pending would lead to a "trial by media," influence witnesses and the public, and prejudice the accused's right to a fair trial, thereby causing irreparable harm to the petitioner's reputation. However, the producer and director denied that the film was inspired by the Venjarammoodu case, submitting instead that it was based on the rising trend of drug abuse and related crimes, and was intended to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs.While dismissing the petition, HC observed that trials are conducted by judicially trained judges whose decisions are not influenced by cinematic portrayals. A court evaluates evidence based on well-established legal principles and arrives at conclusions solely on the materials placed before it. A film's depiction cannot be treated as evidence. HC emphasised that a judicially trained mind is distinct from a hypersensitive one and is not swayed by artistic expression. The court also noted that the Central Board of Film Certification, along with its revising committee, had examined the film and found nothing objectionable or contrary to the standards of public exhibition.