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The Kerala High Court has stayed the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond just a day before its scheduled premiere, directing the CBFC to re-examine the film’s certification amid concerns that its content could misrepresent Kerala and incite tensions.
The Kerala HC stayed the theatrical release of the film The Kerala Story 2
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the theatrical release of the film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, which was scheduled to hit cinemas tomorrow.
The interim order came while hearing petitions that challenged the censor certification granted to the movie. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed the Central Board of Film Certification to review the certification issued to the film.
The court issued the stay while considering interim applications filed by petitioners who had approached the court raising concerns about the film’s content. A detailed order explaining the court’s reasoning is expected later.
During earlier hearings, the court expressed concern about how the film depicts the state. It observed that Kerala is generally known for communal harmony but the film’s narrative could create a misleading impression by suggesting widespread incidents across the region.
Petitioners argued that the movie’s title and storyline, which reportedly deal with themes such as forced religious conversions and terrorism, could stigmatise the entire state. According to them, such portrayals may trigger social tensions and even communal discord.
They also claimed the certification may have been granted without strictly following the statutory requirements under the Cinematograph Act.
Those challenging the sequel told the court that the earlier film The Kerala Story had already led to multiple legal disputes and controversies.
They argued that after the release of the first film, reports emerged of hostility and negative perceptions toward Kerala and its residents both in India and abroad.
Petitioners also pointed out that the filmmakers themselves had reportedly said during promotions that the new film presents a broader pan-Indian narrative rather than a story specific to Kerala. On that basis, they questioned the use of the state’s name in the title.
The producer’s legal team contested the petitions, arguing that they resemble public interest litigation rather than individual grievances. The counsel contended that the petitioners were attempting to defend the collective dignity of the state rather than asserting personal harm.
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However, the petitioners defended their legal standing, stating that shared grievances among citizens do not invalidate their right to challenge the film.
During the hearing, a teaser transcript presented in court was described as containing objectionable material. However, the CBFC’s counsel clarified that neither the teaser nor the trailer had been certified by the board, as such promotional material is often released independently on social media.
With uncertainty over the film’s actual content and the producer declining to screen it for the court, the High Court decided to temporarily halt its release and ordered a fresh examination of the certification.
