The Malayalam film industry is in a state of ferment after the producers of the recently released movie "Mollywood Times" filed an FIR against them. The case was triggered by accusations that the movie was not filmed in cinema halls but in a CBFC-approved version and therefore not in line with India’s film certification laws.
According to reports, the Thiruvallam Police in Kerala registered a case after the CBFC’s regional officer filed a complaint. The filmmakers had shown a version of Mollywood Times which was not in line with the changes made and directions from the certification board before the release of the film, according to the complaint.
The film was awarded a U/A 16+ certificate by the CBFC on June 5, but the makers were instructed to remove or modify certain scenes and dialogues considered objectionable. Authorities now say that the version shown in theatres had not been approved by the board and was altered after certification.
What Does the FIR Allege?
According to the FIR, the film was shown with unauthorized changes. Investigators say that certain dialogues, including words and phrases that were apparently muted in the CBFC version submitted to the board, were heard in the theatrical version shown to audiences.
In the complaint, authorities allege that the certified version may have been tampered with after approval, resulting in viewers seeing material that was not part of the officially cleared copy.
Apart from the producer, director and distributor, the FIR also names digital cinema content providers and theatre owners involved in screening the film. Authorities have invoked Section 7(1)(a)(ii) of the Cinematograph Act, which deals with violations related to film certification and exhibition.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy reportedly started when moviegoers noticed differences between the certified version and the version aired in theatres. Some expletives that had been muted during the certification process were clearly audible in cinemas, media reports claimed.
These allegations led the CBFC to investigate whether the film that was shown to audiences was in fact the same version that had received approval. The certification board then began collecting evidence and examining the matter.
If the filmmakers are found to have violated certification rules, they could face legal action following the official review. The issue has also prompted discussions within the film industry about the need to strictly adhere to CBFC guidelines after a film receives certification.
Investigation Underway
Police officials have said notices are expected to be issued to the accused individuals in the coming days. Those named in the FIR will be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
For now, the controversy has cast a shadow over Mollywood Times, which had received attention due to Naslen’s growing popularity following his recent successes. As authorities continue their investigation, the case could become an important test of how strictly certification regulations are enforced in India’s film industry.
The investigation is still ongoing, and officials are examining whether the version screened in theatres violated CBFC directives and certification laws.
