The much-anticipated Malayalam comedy film Maranamass, starring Basil Joseph and co-produced by actor Tovino Thomas, has stirred controversy even before its release. The film, directed by Sivaprasad, is set to hit theatres on April 10 but has encountered a significant roadblock. The movie has been banned in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait due to its inclusion of a queer actor in the cast.
Censorship and Edits for Theatrical Release
The makers of Maranamass informed fans on social media that they would proceed with the release after making certain cuts to comply with the censorship regulations in Kuwait. In a statement, they explained, “Due to Kuwait’s censorship laws, some scenes in the first and second half of the film had to be cut. We hope that the edit will not ruin the mood of the movie. Everyone, get to the theatres and support this one.”
Saudi Arabia’s Complete Ban
While the film will be released in Kuwait with certain scenes edited, the situation in Saudi Arabia is different. The film has been entirely banned there. According to the Saudi censor board, Maranamass cannot be released in the country due to the presence of a transgender actor in the cast.
Director’s Response to the Ban
Sivaprasad, the director making his debut with Maranamass, addressed the issue in an interview with The News Minute. He expressed his surprise over the ban, stating that the team had cast actors based on their talent, not their gender. He added, “We did not look at the gender of the actors before casting them. On the other hand, we also wanted to normalise LGBTQIA+ in society.”
The Story of Maranamass
Maranamass is a dark comedy that follows the chaotic events that unfold when a serial killer and his target end up on a bus full of passengers. Along with Basil Joseph, the film features a talented cast, including Rajesh Madhavan, Suresh Krishna, Babu Anthony, Siju Sunny, and Anishma Anilkumar.
Despite the challenges it faces in some countries, the film is set to release in India with a U/A certificate from the Indian Censor Board. Produced by Tovino Thomas and others, Maranamass has generated a fair amount of buzz, especially with its unique storyline and bold themes.
