‘Empuraan’ to ‘Haal’: Malayalam films that faced censor cuts

Malayalam cinema has always pushed boundaries through bold storytelling. Recently, several films have faced tough scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). From political themes to religious references, these movies challenged conventional limits. The censorship debates around titles like ‘Haal’, ‘Empuraan’, ‘Avihitham’, and ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ have sparked conversations about artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity in India.

The sequel to ‘Lucifer’, ‘Empuraan’ follows the story of Stephen Nedumpally, a man whose political and spiritual journeys intertwine. The film explores how power transforms morality and how faith becomes a tool for influence. The Central Board of Film Certificationadvised trimming scenes of sexual and physical violence and muting a sequence involving the national flag. The makers complied, cutting just 10 seconds overall. Despite the minor edit, the film’s essence dark, political, and layered, remains intact.

Directed by Senna Hegde, ‘Avihitham’ revolves around human relationships, gender roles, and emotional boundaries. It challenges how society views love, morality, and women’s autonomy. The CBFC asked to remove a dialogue referencing “Seetha,” as it could offend religious sentiments. The line connected to a crucial emotional moment between the leads, highlighting the clash between devotion and desire. With a tagline “Not just a man’s right,” the film dives deep into gender politics and emotional vulnerability.

Starring Shane Nigam, ‘Haal’ explores the life of a young man torn between modernity and tradition. The narrative delves into class differences, cultural pride, and the human need for belonging. The CBFC objected to scenes showing beef biryani and certain religious dialogues, citing sensitivity concerns. The filmmakers argued that the film’s intention was not to offend but to reflect reality. They later approached the Kerala High Court to challenge the cuts, calling them “unjustified and excessive.”

Starring Anupama Parameswaran and Suresh Gopi, ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ tells the story of a young woman’s legal battle after surviving sexual assault. It’s a courtroom drama that questions how institutions treat survivors seeking justice. The Central Board of Film Certification refused to certify the film due to the use of the name “Janaki,” linking it to Goddess Sita. Officials suggested changing it to ‘V Janaki vs State of Kerala’ or ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’. The filmmakers called it an unnecessary restriction on expression.