Kerala High Court Refuses To Stay Screening Of Mohanlal Starrer 'Empuraan' On BJP Leader's Plea, Calls It 'Publicity Interest'

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (April 01) refused to stay the screening of big-budget Mohanlal-starrer “Empuraan” movie, which hit the theaters on March 27.

The film became a centre of controversy after certain right-wing groups objected to the portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. BJP leader VV Vijeesh had approached the High Court apprehending communal violence.

While refusing to stay the exhibition of the film, Justice CS Dias doubted the bona fide of the BJP leader, calling it a 'publicity interest litigation'.

“Was it not certified by the Censor Board…Before the release of the movie, the statute contemplates it has to be certified by the censor board. It has come out. What is the subsequent objection that is being raised...You are unnecessary giving publicity to such things… I am suspecting your bonafides…All publicity-oriented litigation,” the judge orally remarked.

The Court also asked the BJP leader if he could point any violent incident ignited by the film, which has been in theaters for almost a week now.

At this juncture, Government Pleader informed the Court that no case has been registered till date which will indicate that the movie has given rise to any problem.

The Government Pleader cited the judgment in Sebin Thomas v Union of India and various other judgments to plead that once a certificate has been issued by the statutory authorities, there is a presumption that the movie is fit for certification.

The Deputy Solicitor General of India took notice for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Standing Counsel took notice for the Enforcement Directorate and the Government Pleader took notice for the Director General of Police. The Court dispensed with sending notice to other parties.

The matter has now been posted after summer vacations.

Case Title: V. V. Vijeesh v The Secretary and Others

Case No: WP(C) 13500/ 2025 

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