The Kerala High Court is continuing to hear petitions challenging the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, with a verdict likely before its scheduled theatrical release on February 27. The case gained attention after pleas were filed seeking a stay on the film, raising concerns about its possible impact on communal harmony within the state.
As reported by The Times of India, the court resumed arguments on Wednesday, hearing detailed submissions from both sides. The petitions were filed by Sreedev Namboothiri from Kannur and Athul Roy. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas postponed the matter after the arguments could not be completed, allowing both the petitioners and the producers to present their positions at length.
Title and Promotional Material Under Scrutiny
During the proceedings, the petitioners questioned the film’s title and its promotional campaign, arguing that it could create a misleading link with Kerala. They pointed out that at a promotional event held in Delhi, 37 women were presented as alleged victims of forced religious conversion, but reportedly none were from Kerala. On this basis, they argued that the branding of the film might distort public perception.
The petitioners also challenged the producers’ argument that teasers and trailers should not be equated with the full feature film. According to them, promotional content significantly shapes audience opinion and therefore cannot be brushed aside as insignificant or separate from the main narrative.
Responding to these claims, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah of Sunshine Pictures submitted an affidavit stating that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cleared the film after reviewing it in its entirety. The affidavit emphasised that there were no allegations of bad faith or procedural lapses in the certification process. It further argued that the petitions relied heavily on a brief teaser, while the complete film includes characters and story elements spanning multiple states.
A separate report by NDTV on February 25 stated that the single-judge bench reserved its order after extensive arguments. During the hearing, the filmmakers requested an expedited decision, citing the approaching release date and pre-existing distribution commitments, including international screenings. However, Justice Bechu Kurian reportedly indicated that the court would not be hurried and would take adequate time to consider all aspects before passing an order.
Senior advocate S Sreekumar, representing the filmmakers, questioned the maintainability of the writ petition and contended that claims of defaming Kerala lacked legal grounds. The Union Government also supported the CBFC’s certification, arguing that speculative fears regarding law and order could not serve as a valid reason to block the release of a film that has already been certified.
The judge also raised questions about consistency in certification standards. Referring to an earlier Malayalam film where a scene was reportedly altered after CBFC objections, the bench sought clarity on whether similar scrutiny had been applied in the current case.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under the banner of Sunshine Pictures, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond features music composed by Mannan Shaah and editing by Sanjay Sharma, along with a full technical team. With the court’s decision expected soon, the ruling will determine whether the film releases in theatres as planned on February 27 or faces a temporary pause.
