Censor Board Set to Re-evaluate Vetrimaaran’s Manushi Film

The Chennai High Court was informed today (June 11) by the Censor Board that director Vetrimaaran’s produced film “Manushi” will be re-watched and re-evaluated. The film stars Andrea and is directed by Gopi Nainar under the production of Vetrimaaran’s Grassroot Film Company, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film narrates the story of a woman who faces police brutality based on a false terrorism allegation. Its trailer was released in April 2024.

In September 2024, the Board denied certification stating that the film misrepresented the state government and promoted communist ideologies. In response, Vetrimaaran filed a petition in the Chennai High Court arguing that he was not given a chance to clarify or be informed about the board members’ objections. He also stated that he was open to editing scenes that do not fall within the limits of freedom of expression and requested a fresh review by an expert panel.

The High Court earlier instructed that specific objectionable scenes and dialogues be identified so they can be modified. In today’s hearing before Justice Anand Venkatesh, the Censor Board stated it will re-watch “Manushi” and inform the petitioner about objectionable content. If agreeable changes are made, certification will be reconsidered. If not, a report will be submitted stating the denial. Following this, the court has postponed the next hearing to June 17.