SonyLIV film ‘Churuli’ has stunned viewers with its mind-bending premise that centres on the time loop concept, all of a rage these days. Film buffs have appreciated Lijo Jose Pellissery’s unique take on the concept, along with the spectacular cinematography, performances and treatment given to the narrative. On the other hand, viewers are quite miffed with a certain aspect of ‘Churuli’, to the extent that they have even shot off letters to the censor board, the government and sundry other authorities to take action against the film on that matter.
Most movie enthusiasts are outraged at the expletives-laden dialogue in the film. They are appalled at the liberal usage of cuss words in the film. At a time when cussing is predominant in web content, ‘Churuli’ has ruffled enough feathers among various groups of people. Political parties have railed against the outrageous language used in the film. Prime Time channels have debated over whether using such language constitutes freedom of expression. Large sections of the general public too have spoken up against the abusive language used in the film.
The noise over the language used in ‘Churuli’ has compelled the censor board to sit up and take notice. The board has clarified that the version of ‘Churuli’ streaming on SonyLIV is the uncensored version. The Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) had apparently advised 59 cuts in the film, along with giving it an ‘A’ certification, suitable for watching only for 18+ adults. But this was when the film was supposed to release in theatres.
Now that Churuli has skipped theatres and released directly on OTT on SonyLIV, the makers saw no reason to adhere to the censor board’s cuts in the film. As is well known, content that streams on OTT is not censored by the censor board of India. Thus, the ‘Churuli‘ version streaming on SonyLIV is the original, uncut, uncertified version – hence all the expletives and cuss words.
Parvathy V, regional officer, CBFC Thiruvananthapuram, issued a statement to clarify the matter. It reads – “It is hereby clarified for the kind information of the general public that the Malayalam feature film ‘Churuli’ which is being exhibited via OTT platform SonyLiv is NOT the certified version of the film.”
“The Malayalam film titled Churuli was certified A (Adult) with suitable excisions/modifications by CBFC via diligence in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, Cinematograph Certification Rules, 1983 and guidelines issued by the government of India”, the statement says.
Well, now that that’s sorted, do watch ‘Churuli’ on SonyLIV if you still haven’t. Only, remember to watch it when the kids are not around!