A Film Freed from Uncertainty
Haal became a flashpoint after the Central Board of Film Certification insisted on the removal of six portions. The list included a scene featuring the consumption of beef biryani, which quickly drew public attention and triggered debates around censorship. Unwilling to alter the film beyond what they felt was necessary, the makers approached the High Court. Their petition set the stage for a case that placed artistic freedom and regulatory authority in direct conversation.
The CBFC argued that screening permission would only be granted if all six contested portions were removed. The Single Bench, however, arrived at a very different conclusion. Four of the six cuts were annulled while two were retained. Both the CBFC and the Catholic Congress challenged this decision, but the Division Bench dismissed the appeals. The judges also watched the film themselves before delivering the final verdict which further reinforced the ruling.
With the court fully satisfied, Haal is now free to enter the release pipeline without further uncertainty. For a film that has made headlines for everything except its story so far, this ruling shifts the conversation back to the work itself.
A Romantic Drama Back in the Spotlight
Haal is scripted by Nishad Koya and features Shane Nigam in a romantic drama setting. Sakshi Vaidya plays the female lead and her pairing with Nigam promises to bring a new energy to the genre. The supporting cast is packed with familiar Malayalam cinema names that include Johny Antony, Madhupal, Sangeetha Madhavan Nair, Joy Mathew, Nishant Sagar, Niyas Becker, Riyaz Narmakala, Suresh Krishna, Raveendran, Sohan Seenulal, Manoj KU, Unniraja and Sreedhanya.
The technical lineup also signals that Haal aims for a polished big screen experience. Nandagopan V handles the music which is expected to play a central role in shaping the emotional tone of the film. Ravi Chandran is in charge of cinematography and is likely to bring a warm visual texture to the narrative. Editing is by Akash Joseph Varghese, whose recent work has shown a skill for keeping romantic dramas fluid and intimate. The film is produced by Juby Thomas under JVJ Productions.
With its legal burdens behind it, Haal can finally shift attention to its craft and its performers. Shane Nigam, who has built a reputation for intense character driven roles, may find this film becoming a key release in a year that has tested many actors in the Malayalam industry. For debutant Veeraa the court verdict not only clears the film for release but also ensures that his vision arrives largely intact which is no small achievement for a first time filmmaker.
As anticipation builds, Haal is poised to step into theatres as one of the more talked about Christmas releases. The long wait may just turn out to be part of its charm.
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