PremiumMonster: Bahrain lifts ban on Mohanlal film after crucial edit, makers re-apply for censor in other Gulf countries
Mohanlal’s Monster, which is set to hit theatres on October 21, had been cleared in India with a U/A certification
Last Updated: 02.40 PM, Oct 19, 2022
While a simultaneous India and GCC release for Mohanlal’s Monster looks too tough, it’s still possible as the film, which was earlier banned in Bahrain, has been cleared in the Gulf country after the makers had to edit out certain portions.
As per reports, about 13 minutes of the movie had to be cut from the film for it to be screened in Bahrain. The movie, which is directed by Vysakh and scripted by Udaykrishna, had been cleared in Indian by the Central Board of Film Certification with a U/A rating. However, the movie ran into problems in GCC countries, which are the next biggest market for Malayalam cinema after Kerala, reportedly due to the its LGBTQ content.
While the makers are yet to officially confirm if this is the original reason, a source from the team tells OTTplay that a twist in the film is what the censor board in the country has asked to edit out. The makers are now gearing up to reapply for censor certificated in other Middle Eastern countries with the edit, to ensure that the movie releases in India as well as the Gulf on October 21.
Mohanlal, meanwhile, in the recent promo videos about the film had said that Monster has a novel though that not many would dare to take up. He also said that as an actor, he is happy to be part of such a movie and also praised the director, scriptwriter and the artistes for giving their best to Monster.
The movie, which is produced by Aashirvad Cinemas, will mark Mohanlal’s second theatrical release this year. Monster was initially conceived as an OTT release but the makers had changed their plans and decided to opt for the theatrical route. The film also has Lakshmi Manchu, Honey Rose, Sudev Nair and Lena as part of the cast.