Mohanlal’s Monster banned in GCC countries due to LGBTQ content?

Mohanlal’s Monster might not get a worldwide release as initially expected. The movie, which marks the actor and director Vysakh’s next collaboration after Pulimurugan, has reportedly been banned in Gulf countries due to its LGBTQ content, according to reports.

The makers had dropped several hints that the film indeed tackles a subject that is rarely shown in mainstream Malayalam cinema. While there has been no official confirmation regarding the ban in GCC countries, it’s reported that the film’s shows have all been now replaced by Nivin Pauly’s Padavettu, which is also hitting theatres on the same day.

Also read: Monster: Mohanlal, Vysakh’s Pulimurugan halted Baahubali’s reign in Kerala, can they do it to Kantara too? 

Monster, which is scripted by Udaykrishna, is touted to be an investigative thriller. In an earlier interview with us, both Vysakh and Udaykrishna had told us that the film is different from their previous ventures and is more of an experimental venture. Both of them also praised Mohanlal for agreeing to be part of the movie.

There were rumours earlier this year that the film could be a zombie thriller but this was shut down by its director. Vysakh also told us that he was confident that the film would work on OTTs as well as theatres because of the strength of its content. Mohanlal too, in an exclusive interview with OTTplay last year, had said that the film was packed with several unexpected twists in the second half.

Also read: Exclusive! Mohanlal’s Monster will work in theatres and on OTTs due to the strength of its content: Vysakh 

Apart from Mohanlal, the movie also has Lakshmi Manchu, Sudev Nair, Lena, Siddique, Ganesh Kumar and Honey Rose in pivotal roles. Honey Rose had earlier said that the story evolves through her character and she was happy that Vysakh had entrusted her with such a role.

Monster, which is produced by Aashirvaad Cinemas, is Mohanlal’s second theatrical release this year after Aaraattu. The movie’s fan shows across Kerala have already been sold out. The makers, however, have decided to keep the promotions and hype for the movie at a minimum as compared to previous Mohanlal-starrers.