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Thiruvananthapuram: Police have registered a case against the producer, director, distributor and other associated parties of the Malayalam film Mollywood Times for allegedly screening scenes and dialogues that were ordered to be removed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before the film’s release. The case was registered following a complaint filed by the regional officer of the CBFC under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The case has been registered by Thiruvallam police against the producer, director, distributor, digital cinema content service providers and theatre owners who exhibited the film, which stars Naslen and was released on June 5.

Complaint filed by CBFC regional officer

According to police officials, the complaint was submitted on Wednesday by the regional officer of the CBFC, alleging that the version of the film screened in theatres contained content that had not been approved by the certification authority.

The complaint prompted the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the initiation of an investigation into the alleged violations.

Officials stated that the matter pertains to compliance with certification conditions imposed by the censor board before the film’s theatrical release.

Allegation of screening deleted scenes and dialogues

According to the FIR, the CBFC had granted a U/A 16+ certificate to Mollywood Times after directing the filmmakers to remove certain scenes and dialogues considered objectionable.

However, authorities allege that the film was screened with modifications that had not received approval from the board. The complaint further claims that the final theatrical version included dialogues and scenes that were ordered to be deleted during the certification process.

Investigators are examining whether the content was restored or altered after certification and whether any unauthorised tampering occurred before distribution to theatres.

Case registered under Cinematograph Act

Police said the case has been registered under Section 7(1)(a)(ii) of the Cinematograph Act.

The provision deals with violations to the exhibition of films in a manner inconsistent with the certification granted by the CBFC. Authorities are examining whether the film was exhibited in a form different from the version approved by the certification board.

Legal experts note that any modification to a certified film without obtaining fresh approval from the CBFC may attract penal provisions under the Act.

Multiple stakeholders named in the case

The FIR names not only the film’s producer and director but also the distributor, digital cinema content service providers and theatre owners involved in screening the movie.

Police officials said the investigation would focus on determining how the allegedly unauthorised content was included in the version exhibited to audiences and identifying the parties responsible.

The inclusion of exhibitors and content delivery service providers in the case indicates that investigators are examining the entire chain of distribution and screening.

Investigation underway

Police officials confirmed that notices would be issued to the accused parties in the coming days.

Those named in the FIR are expected to be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also likely to compare the certified version of the film with the version screened in theatres to establish whether any violations occurred.

Officials have not yet disclosed the specific scenes or dialogues that allegedly violated the CBFC’s directives.

Film released earlier this month

Mollywood Times was released in theatres on June 5 and features actor Naslen in a prominent role. The film generated discussion among cinema audiences and critics following its release.

The controversy now centres on whether the makers complied with the conditions imposed by the censor board while obtaining certification for theatrical exhibition.

Any findings confirming unauthorised alterations could lead to further legal action under the Cinematograph Act and regulations governing film certification and exhibition.

Conclusion

The registration of a case against the makers and distributors of Mollywood Times has brought renewed attention to the importance of compliance with CBFC certification guidelines. As police continue their investigation, the outcome could have broader implications for filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors regarding adherence to censorship and certification regulations in the Indian film industry.