Complaint Filed Against Mollywood Times Over Profanity Censorship

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A Kerala film certification board reportedly censored a Malayalam film and later screened it with technical errors, prompting a complaint against Mollywood Times, a local entertainment publication, according to a report by Manorama News. The incident has sparked discussions about transparency in film regulation and media accountability in the state’s film industry.

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The controversy centers around a film titled Therri Muttakki, which was submitted for certification to the Kerala Film Certification Board (KFCB) in May 2026. According to the report, the board initially rejected the film for “inappropriate content,” but later issued a certified copy that reportedly contained editing errors, including missing scenes and altered dialogue. The film’s producer, Ravi Kumar, stated in a statement shared with Manorama News that the board’s process lacked clarity, adding, “We received a censored version that did not match the original submission.”

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The issue escalated when Mollywood Times published a review of the film without acknowledging the certification discrepancies. The publication later faced backlash from filmmakers and industry stakeholders, who alleged that the review misled audiences. A spokesperson for Mollywood Times told Manorama News, “We followed standard protocols to verify the film’s release status before publishing. However, we are reviewing our procedures to ensure accuracy in future reports.”

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Censorship and Screening Irregularities
The KFCB, which oversees film certification in Kerala, has faced criticism in the past for inconsistent rulings. In 2023, the board came under scrutiny after a documentary was delayed for over six months without clear reasoning. Industry insiders noted that the recent Therri Muttakki case highlights broader concerns about procedural transparency. “The certification process should be both rigorous and transparent,” said filmmaker Anjali Nair, who has advocated for reform. “When errors occur, they erode trust in the system.”

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The KFCB’s director, Suresh Kumar, declined to comment directly on the Therri Muttakki case but emphasized the board’s commitment to “adhering to legal guidelines while ensuring content standards.” A separate report by Malayala Manorama—a major Malayalam news outlet—noted that the board had received multiple complaints about certification delays and inconsistent rulings in 2026.

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Industry Reactions and Legal Implications
The dispute has drawn attention from Kerala’s film unions, which have called for an independent audit of the certification process. The Kerala State Film Producers Association (KSFPA) released a statement urging the KFCB to “adopt a more collaborative approach with filmmakers to avoid misunderstandings.”

Legal experts have also weighed in, suggesting that the film’s producer could pursue a review of the certification decision. “If the censored version was issued without proper justification, the producer may have grounds to challenge it in court,” said Advocate Meera Thomas, who specializes in media law.

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Mollywood Times, which has a significant readership in Kerala, faces potential reputational damage from the controversy. The publication’s editor-in-chief, Rajesh Pillai, acknowledged the issue in a recent editorial, stating, “We take our responsibility to inform the public seriously. This incident underscores the need for stricter verification processes, especially when covering sensitive topics like film certification.”

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Broader Implications for Malayalam Cinema
The case has reignited debates about the balance between censorship and creative freedom in Malayalam cinema. While the KFCB maintains that its role is to “protect public interest,” critics argue that arbitrary decisions can stifle artistic expression. In 2022, a similar controversy involved the film Chandramukhi, where a scene was removed without clear explanation, leading to a public petition.

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For now, the KFCB has not announced any immediate changes to its procedures. However, the Therri Muttakki incident has added pressure on the board to address systemic issues. As filmmaker Anjali Nair noted, “The goal should be a certification process that is both fair and transparent—something that benefits both creators and audiences.”

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The situation remains under review, with industry stakeholders awaiting further developments. Meanwhile, the KSFPA has scheduled a meeting with the KFCB to discuss procedural reforms, according to a press release dated June 10, 2026.

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“Film certification should be a collaborative process, not a battleground. When errors occur