Churuli: High Court rejects petition against the LJP movie, states language in cinema is director’s call

Months after the release of Churuli, the Lijo Jose Pellisseri directorial is still in the headlines. Rejecting the petition filed against the movie, the High Court observed that the artistic freedom to choose the language can’t be questioned.

Peggy Fen from Thrissur had sought the removal of the movie from the OTT platform, and had filed a petition for the same, a few months ago. The petitioner alleged that the movie overused foul and abusive language. Going forward, Justice P V Kunhikrishnan, who considered the petition has now ruled in favour of the movie. Based on the report of the team, who watched the movie, the court also ruled that the language in cinema is the director's freedom.

A three-member panel of Kerala police had watched the movie last month, following the public litigation. The team had also stated that there is nothing illegal in the movie.

The court’s observation further states that no one has been forced to watch the movie, even the paid subscribers. It also added that the petition aimed at grabbing popularity and limelight. Churuli, which speaks about a criminal group in a forest, cannot be dictated to use decent language, according to the court. The court also added that a movie is the result of a long time’s hard work and if there is any illegality, the police will look into it.

Churuli, the sci-fi mystery horror, follows two undercover police officers in their journey to trace a criminal. They reach a secluded village, amidst the forest, which catches them in a time loop. Written by S Hareesh, the movie stars Chemban Vinod Jose, Vinay Forrt, Jaffer Idukki, Joju George and Soubin Shahir. The film is available to stream on SonyLIV.