Overview
- A division bench of Justices S A Dharmadhikari and P V Balakrishnan set aside a 15‑day halt ordered by single‑judge Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas after a special late‑night hearing and a reserved verdict delivered on Friday afternoon.
- The bench questioned how the earlier order drew firm conclusions from “a few clippings” without viewing the film and noted that CBFC‑mandated insertions and excisions reinforced that the Board applied its mind.
- Shows and bookings were reopened following the ruling, with the producer announcing immediate rollout and press briefings as theatres began scheduling screenings.
- Early box‑office reporting estimated roughly ₹3.5 crore on opening day, reflecting a shortened release window after the legal pause.
- The underlying petitions challenging the U/A certificate over alleged stigmatization and risk to communal harmony remain listed for further hearing, and a detailed order is awaited; reports note the CBFC had sought around 16 modifications before certification.