Kerala High Court Stops "The Kerala Story 2" Release Until Further Review

The Kerala High Court has asked for responses from the film producers and censor board about "The Kerala Story 2" release. A petition claims the movie's title could cause harm. This is a serious legal challenge for the film.
By Newsroom | Legal, Film |

A legal challenge has been mounted against the film "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond," with a petition filed in the Kerala High Court seeking to halt its release and revoke its censor certificate. The court has issued notices to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the film's producers, requiring them to provide their responses. This development follows concerns that the film's promotional material and title may negatively impact public order and communal harmony in Kerala.

Kerala HC seeks CBFC, producers’ response on plea to stay The Kerala Story 2 release - 1

The Kerala High Court's action stems from a petition filed by Sridev Namboothiri, a resident of Kannur. The petition challenges the censor certificate granted to "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond," the sequel to the widely discussed film "The Kerala Story."

Kerala HC seeks CBFC, producers’ response on plea to stay The Kerala Story 2 release - 2

  • The petitioner argues that the film's teaser and trailer, while featuring stories of women from various states, associate incidents of terrorism and forced religious conversion exclusively with Kerala through its title.

  • This association, the plea contends, has the potential to stigmatize the state's population, disrupt public order, and incite communal and religious disharmony.

  • The petition refers to the previous film in the series, "The Kerala Story," which reportedly generated significant controversy over alleged false claims.

  • It is argued that the certification process for the sequel may have overlooked reasonable restrictions on free speech outlined in Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution.

  • Concerns have also been raised that the promotional content calls for retaliatory actions, creating an apprehension of law and order issues.

  • The petitioner seeks to quash the film's certification, suspend its release pending a review of the title and the inclusion of disclaimers, or direct modifications to the film.

  • The film is reportedly scheduled for release on February 27.

Court's Action and Next Steps

The Kerala High Court has formally initiated proceedings by issuing notices to key entities involved with the film's production and certification.

Read More: Supreme Court Gives Bail to Vikram Bhatt and Wife in ₹30 Crore Case, Asks Them to Mediate

Kerala HC seeks CBFC, producers’ response on plea to stay The Kerala Story 2 release - 3

  • Notice has been issued to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the body responsible for certifying films for public exhibition.

  • The producers of "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond" have also received notice.

  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has also been included in the notice.

  • The court is seeking their official responses to the allegations made in the petition.

  • The case has been scheduled for further hearing on Tuesday.

Petitioner's Allegations and Concerns

The core of the petition lies in the perceived negative portrayal of Kerala and its people.

Kerala HC seeks CBFC, producers’ response on plea to stay The Kerala Story 2 release - 4

  • The petitioner alleges that the film's title unfairly links incidents depicted in its teaser and trailer, which purportedly span multiple states, to Kerala specifically.

  • This alleged misrepresentation is seen as detrimental to the state's image and its reputation for communal harmony.

  • The plea points to the Cinematograph Act, which mandates consideration of public order, decency, and morality during film certification, suggesting these aspects may not have been adequately examined.

  • The petitioner also cited the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in relation to concerns about communal disharmony.

Broader Context: Film Censorship and Public Discourse

This legal action situates "The Kerala Story 2" within ongoing debates surrounding artistic freedom, the impact of cinema on society, and the responsibilities of film certification bodies.

  • The controversy echoes discussions surrounding the first film, "The Kerala Story," which faced accusations of promoting a particular narrative and inciting religious intolerance.

  • The petitioner's request for disclaimers suggests a desire for greater clarity and a separation of fictionalized elements from reality.

  • The situation highlights the tension between the right to freedom of expression and the need to prevent the dissemination of content that could potentially incite hatred or prejudice.

Official Statements and Reactions

While specific responses from the CBFC and the producers are awaited by the court, reactions from some public figures have emerged.

  • Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reportedly criticized the trailer of "The Kerala Story 2."

  • The petitioner's plea explicitly mentions an effort to "collectively reject attempts to portray Kerala… as a hub of terrorism," indicating a public sentiment against such depictions.

The court's forthcoming hearing will determine the legal standing of these objections and whether the film's release and certification will be subject to further review or modification.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Kerala High Court look into "The Kerala Story 2" release?
A person filed a complaint saying the film's name and promotion could cause trouble and hurt peace between groups in Kerala. The court wants to check if this is true.
Q: What did the court ask the film makers and censor board to do?
The Kerala High Court sent official notices to the people who made the film and the censor board. They must explain why the film should be allowed to be released and why its certificate is valid.
Q: What are the main worries about "The Kerala Story 2"?
The complaint says the film's title unfairly links bad events, like terrorism and forced religion changes, only to Kerala. This might make people in Kerala look bad and cause fights between religious groups.
Q: When will the court decide more about the film?
The court is looking at the case and has asked for answers. There will be another hearing on Tuesday where more details will be discussed.
Q: What does the person who complained want to happen?
The person wants the film's certificate to be cancelled. They also want the film's release to be stopped until the title and other parts are checked and maybe changed.