The Kerala High Court on Wednesday closed a plea objecting to the allegedly negative and defamatory portrayal of a character in the upcoming Malayalam film Bramayugam in which actor Mammootty plays the lead role [PM Gopi v Union of India & Ors.].The plea was closed in view of the film makers' submission that the character name in dispute has been changed to address concerns that the film may involve a negative portrayal of one "Kunjumon Potty."The petitioner, representing Punjamon Illam, a traditional Brahmin household in Kerala with a documented lineage in ritualistic practices, had argued that the portrayal of"Kunjumon Potty" in the film was negative and defamatory and could potentially harm the family's reputation.When the matter was heard by the High Court on Tuesday, the filmmakers' counsel stated they had applied to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to change the character's name to "Kodumon Potty."In response to the queries posed by the Court yesterday, the Central government's counsel informed Justice Devan Ramachandran today that the CBFC has certified that the name has been changed.In view of this submission, the Court closed the petition.The petitioner had earlier sought to revoke the film's certification under the Cinematograph Act of 1952 citing Section 5B regarding defamatory content.“The petitioner expresses concern over a film titled ‘Brahma Yugam’, which allegedly appropriates their family name and depicts the lead character, ‘Kunjamon Potty’, engaging in negative and defamatory actions, including black magic,” said the plea.The petitioner further said that he and his ancestors were addressed as ‘Kunjmon Potty’ and also as ‘Punjamon Potty’ interchangeably.He contended that the filmmakers have also called the traditional home of the lead character “Kunjamon Illam,” similar to the petitioner’s house name.The petitioner added that the storyline deviates from an accurate portrayal of the petitioner's ancestors and appears to have been fabricated solely to defame the petitioner and their family.He had specifically requested the character's name be changed if the demand to alter scenes was not met.Furthermore, it had been argued that the prominent role played by renowned actor Mammootty could significantly impact the public perception about the family.The petitioner was represented by Advocate G Sreekumar Chelur.
TAGS: Kerala High Court Bramayugam film PM Gopi v Union of India & Ors. character portrayal defamation name change Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
