Kerala High Court Halts Release of The Kerala Story 2, Makers Appeal

The release of the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond has been halted by the Kerala High Court, which issued a stay order shortly before the film was set to premiere on February 27, 2024. Following this decision, the film’s producers have approached the Supreme Court of India in hopes of reversing the order.

The High Court’s ruling came during a hearing of two petitions challenging the film’s release. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted that there appeared to be a lack of scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) when certifying the film. The court emphasized that guidelines designed to maintain social harmony may not have been adequately followed.

In an affidavit submitted on February 21, 2024, producer Vipul Shah argued that only the CBFC has the authority to halt a film’s release. Reports indicate that the Supreme Court may address the issue soon, potentially as early as tomorrow, or may direct the filmmakers to present their case to a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court.

Background on The Kerala Story Franchise

The Kerala Story 2 serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed The Kerala Story, which was released in 2023 and won a National Award. The narrative revolves around the experiences of three young women who, according to the film’s portrayal, fall into deceptive marriages and face forced religious conversions.

The franchise has generated significant controversy, particularly due to its depiction of sensitive social themes. Recently, a teaser for The Kerala Story 2 was reportedly released online but was quickly removed, sparking further debate about the film’s content and its impact on societal perceptions.

In response to speculation regarding the teaser’s removal, the production house Sunshine Pictures issued a statement declaring that such claims were false. They clarified, “Sunshine Pictures would like to categorically clarify that the news currently circulating regarding the removal of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’ teaser is completely false, baseless, and misleading. The matter is presently sub judice. No judgment or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content. We have not deleted or taken down any material.”

The original film faced intense scrutiny, legal challenges, and political reactions, further complicating its reception and the current release of its sequel. As the situation develops, the filmmakers remain focused on navigating the legal landscape surrounding their work.

The unfolding events around The Kerala Story 2 highlight the intersection of cinema, law, and societal issues in contemporary India, raising questions about artistic expression and regulatory oversight.