According to sources, Comrade Kalyan, which is scheduled for release on October 9, faced considerable turbulence during the censor certification process.
Given that the film is essentially a comedy, questions have emerged within industry circles over what exactly triggered such extensive intervention from the censor authorities.
According to reliable sources, the film was submitted for certification, following which the board reportedly suggested cuts that would have left only around one hour of the film for theatrical release.
When the makers sought clarification, they allegedly did not receive a satisfactory explanation and subsequently approached the Review Committee.
The Review Committee is said to have examined the film and recommended another 15 minutes of cuts, leaving approximately 45 minutes of the original content in question.
Sources claim that the committee cited recently changed rules under which references to “Naxalite”, “Naxal”, Naxal uniforms or related elements were reportedly not permitted, on the grounds that the period associated with such references had ended.
The issue became particularly significant because nearly 70 per cent of Comrade Kalyan reportedly revolves around episodes connected to that backdrop, albeit in a lighter vein.
Eventually, the film team is said to have approached influential circles, with support reportedly coming through state-level personalities and other channels.
Following these efforts, the censor board reportedly granted the film a U/A certificate without a single cut.
The makers were allegedly asked only to replace the word “Naxals”, which was changed to “Annalu”.
The entire episode has now become a topic of discussion in select industry circles, particularly over how and why the rules were applied, whether the newly cited guidelines were formally introduced, and what ultimately led to the film receiving certification without the cuts initially proposed.
The functioning of the censor board under its current leadership is also drawing attention, with some in the industry questioning the consistency and clarity of the certification process.