In a shocking turn of events. The CBFC Regional Director M. M. Mathialagan has claimed in his email to the Animal Welfare Board of India has claimed that the Censor certificate for the film 'Mersal' has not been issued by CBFC yet.  In the communication which was his reply to the AWBI's notice stating that the film has not received the requisite NOC from the Board for having used some animals in the film, Matialagan has said the CBFC had informed the makers of the film that the Censor certificate will be issued after they submit the NOC issued by AWBI.

In 'Mersal' directed by Atlee, apparently many animals and birds have been used as evidenced in the trailer The Animal Welfare Board states that they have not issued the requisite clearance for the film for some reasons including the fact that some of the claims of the makers about the usage of animals and birds in the film need to be verified.

With just four days ahead for the much expected release of the film for the Diwali festival day. the makers will have to act swiftly and cross this hurdle too. Already they have successfully won a legal battle regarding the title and the strike of the Producers Council which threatened to affect the release of the film has been withdrawn in time.

Earlier the makers had claimed that the film has been issued a U/A certificate by the CBFC. We will have to wait for more clarity on this issue. Stay tuned to this space.