The Kerala High Court today concluded a petition seeking the revocation of certification for the upcoming Mammootty starrer 'Bramayugam,' alleging defamatory portrayal of a real-life individual. Justice Devan Ramachandran presided over the proceedings.
The petition was closed after the filmmakers assured that the name of the lead character had been altered to address the petitioner's concerns. Counsel for the respondents informed the court that they had applied to the Central Board of Film Certification for the change.
Advocate G Sreekumar Chelur moved the plea on behalf of the petitioner, who heads the Punjamon Illam, a traditional Brahmin household in Kerala. The petitioner argued that the film's depiction of the main character was negative and defamatory, potentially tarnishing their family's reputation. Citing Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the plea sought revocation of the film's certification if the name of the character remained unchanged.
The complaint, filed on February 13, questioned the portrayal of the main character, Kunjamon Potty, in the film 'Bramayugam.' The petitioner, representing the Punjamon Illam, contended that the portrayal was offensive and could harm their family's standing, given their documented history of ritualistic practices.
Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, 'Bramayugam' featuring Mammootty is scheduled for release on February 15. The petitioner alleged that the movie depicts 'Kunjamon Potty' in a negative light, engaging in socially unacceptable behaviors such as black magic. Referring to Section 5E of the Cinematograph Act, the petitioner threatened to seek cancellation of the film's certification if the character's name wasn't changed.
Respondents, in their reply, stated that the film's storyline is adapted from the book 'Aithihymala' by Kottarathil Sankunni. Following the court's order on February 14, the film crew has changed the title to 'Kodumon Potty.' The change was prompted by concerns over potential damage to the family's reputation due to the portrayal of the character.
The Central Board of Film Certification has been approached for the necessary changes. With these developments, the controversy surrounding the film 'Bramayugam' appears to have reached a resolution.
