HC dismisses plea seeking stalling of 'Kaala' release

The Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking stalling of the release of Rajinikanth-starrer 'Kaala', which hit the screens today.

Dismissing the plea as not maintainable, Justice T Raja said though the film was certified by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in April 2018, it was not challenged by the petitioner.

The petitioner J Muthuramesh alleged the movie portrayed Thiraviyam Nadar and his family in bad light.

He claimed that Nadar, who was respected as a leader of a section of Tamils settled in Mumbai, especially in slums of Dharavi, had helped many people who migrated there seeking a livelihood.

The petitioner submitted that the film's director Pa Ranjith has made the movie based on the life of Thiraviyam Nadar, but used untrue facts to portray him and his family in bad light.

He also submitted that he belongs to the Nadar community.

Justice Raja today said no materials were placed before the Court to substantiate the allegation that Thiraviyam Nadar's family was portrayed in a bad light.

When the plea came up yesterday, Justice Raja had asked the petitioner whether he had the consent or permission of Thiraviyam Nadar's family to move the plea.

The petitioner said Nadar's son Jawahar Nadar had given his consent through a mail.

The judge today asked Jawahar Nadar, who came from Mumbai, whether he saw the movie.

Jawahar responded that he has seen it.

Then the judge asked him to specify which dialogue, song or any other part of the film portrayed his family in bad light to which Jawahar appeared not being able to answer.

Though the Judge was of the opinion that cost could be imposed on the petitioner, he refrained from doing so and dismissed the plea.