
Kerala Story 2 release halted today as Kerala High Court steps in
The release of the film “The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond”, scheduled for today, was halted after the Kerala High Court stepped in , granting an interim stay and raising serious concerns over the manner in which the film was certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the order while hearing multiple petitions challenging the film’s certification and seeking a halt to its release. The court observed that there was prima facie non-application of mind by the censor board while granting clearance and said the statutory guidelines meant to ensure that films do not disturb social and communal harmony did not appear to have been adequately followed .
The judge directed the CBFC to re-examine the certification and decide on the revision petitions within two weeks . Until then, the court restrained the producers from releasing, screening, distributing, or exploiting any commercial and overseas rights linked to the film. As a result, the film, which was set to hit theatres on February 27, will not be released today.
During the hearing, the court expressed concern over the possible impact of the film’s title and content on communal harmony , particularly the use of the word “Kerala”, noting that the teaser itself refers to incidents across multiple states. The court warned that such branding could misrepresent the state’s social fabric and stigmatise its people . It also took note of the filmmakers’ reluctance to screen the movie before the court, stating that the issue required close judicial scrutiny.
The controversy has revived memories of the intense backlash surrounding “The Kerala Story” Part 1, released in 2023, which triggered legal challenges, political criticism, and bans in several states over claims of forced religious conversions and recruitment. Courts and fact-checkers had disputed its numerical claims, accusing it of spreading misinformation and communal fear.
The case will be heard again after the CBFC submits its fresh review, which will determine the future course for the film’s release.
