Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the makers of the film Kannappa for announcing a release date without obtaining certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The court was hearing a writ petition filed by Brahmana Chaitanya Vedika state president Siripurapu Sridhar Sharma, who alleged that the film, produced and acted in by Mohan Babu and Vishnu Manchu, portrays Sanatana Dharma, Hindu deities, and Brahmins in a derogatory manner.
During the hearing, counsel appearing for the CBFC submitted newspaper reports quoting the film’s producers stating that Kannappa would release on June 27 despite the censor process being incomplete. Taking serious note of this, the court questioned how such an announcement could be made in violation of existing norms.
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The bench warned that failure to file a counter or appear in court despite receiving notices, or releasing the film without certification, would invite action under the law. The court adjourned further hearing to June 27 — the day the film is scheduled for release.
The controversy has intensified with the court’s remarks, delayed certification, and the producers’ insistence on the release date. The legal fate of Kannappa now hinges on the High Court’s ruling on the matter.