The Kerala Story 2 HALTED 24 hours before release, court says film may disturb communal harmony

The release of The Kerala Story 2 has hit an unexpected roadblock just ahead of its planned theatrical debut on February 27. In a dramatic turn, the Kerala High Court has stayed the film’s release, raising serious concerns about its potential impact on public sentiment.

The sequel, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, now finds itself in legal limbo after petitions challenged the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification.

Court Flags Risk to Communal Harmony

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed an interim order halting the film, observing that its content could influence public perception in a way that disturbs communal harmony. The court made it clear that freedom of speech under Article 19 of the Constitution does not extend to material that may incite discord or threaten law and order.

While courts generally avoid interfering with film releases, the bench noted that the objections raised by petitioners appeared credible enough to warrant intervention at this stage.

CBFC Certification Under Scanner

A key point of contention revolves around the U A certificate granted to the film. The court questioned whether the censor board had fully applied its guidelines while clearing the project. It pointedly asked why the film was not awarded an A certificate if its content carried potentially sensitive themes.

The High Court has directed the CBFC to review the revision petitions within two weeks. Until fresh orders are issued, the film will remain unreleased.

From Big Screen to Legal Battlefield

In the previous hearing, the court had already asked the makers to pause the transfer of exhibition rights until a decision was reached. It also noted that the filmmakers were not inclined to screen the movie during proceedings, further intensifying the debate.

With The Kerala Story 2 now caught between artistic expression and judicial scrutiny, the controversy has only amplified public curiosity. Whether the film eventually reaches cinemas will depend on the CBFC’s reassessment and the court’s next move. For now, the sequel’s future remains uncertain, but the headlines are only getting louder.