Madras HC dismisses petition filed at the “eleventh hour” against Rajinikanth film Kaala

Justice T Raja of the Madras High Court today dismissed a petition filed day before yesterday against the release of Pa. Ranjith’s film Kaala, starring Rajinikanth..After filing the petition last Tuesday, the petitioner was heard by the Court yesterday..In arguments made yesterday, the petitioner’s counsel claimed that the movie was based on the story of one, Thiraviya Nadar. In this context, it was alleged that the film denigrated the Nadar community as well as Thiraviya Nadar and his family..The Court had posted the case for today, after instructing the petitioner to prove that he had authorisation from the son of Thiraviya Nadar, Jawahar Nadar, to pursue the case as claimed. In the meanwhile, the Judge refused the petitioner’s plea to stay the release of the film..However, even the presence of Jawahar Nadar in court today failed to convince the judge that the petitioner had a case against the film..While he stopped short of imposing costs on the petitioner, Justice Raja made it clear that the petitioner would not find any reprieve from the Court for the vague prayers made against the respondents..In particular, the judge noted that the petitioner had not till date challenged the Certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) last April, which allowed the screening of Kaala..The Court noted that once the CBFC Certificate is issued, there is a rebuttable presumption in favour of screening the film. The petitioner could not pray for a writ of mandamus from the High Court without challenging the certificate..“Two months ago, the certificate was issued. If you are really aggrieved, should you not have challenged the certificate?”, asked the judge..Further, there was no mention as to what part of the film was offensive to the petitioner or the Nadar community he claimed to represent. The judge orally remarked that the affidavit failed to point out to any dialogue, scene or other depiction which could be offensive to the petitioner..Notably, while the petitioner’s counsel yesterday sought a stay on the release and re-censoring of the film, Jawahar Nadar in court today expressed that he only wished that the makers of Kaala would give some recognition to his father for the film. The apparent conflict in relief sought was also noted by the judge before passing the order..Ultimately the Court dismissed the petition after noting that it appeared to have been filed at the eleventh hour in the interest of attracting publicity..Image taken from here.