The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, as well as the producer of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond on Thursday. The move comes after a petition was filed seeking a halt on the release of the movie. 

HC sends notice to The Kerala Story 2 makers

The petition was filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a biologist by profession, alleging that the teaser of the movie “shocked his conscience,” as it shows Kerala in a bad light.

“The teaser shows the story of 3 women from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan who fall into the trap of terrorists who weaponise romance to convert unmarried girls and change the demography of the country. As the characters speak to the screen in the teaser, they make several statements that have the potential to create a law and order situation in the country,” Sreedev said.

The petitioner claimed that although the film’s teaser features stories from other states, the title creates the impression that the events, whether fictional or real, occurred exclusively in Kerala. He stated, “Such a portrayal has the potential to stigmatise an entire regional population, disturb public order, and incite communal and regional disharmony.”

The petitioner also argued that such a portrayal could create a stigma about the entire regional population, disturb public order, and trigger communal and regional disharmony. Therefore, the petitioner sought a stay on the release and public exhibition of the film The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond, which is scheduled for a February 27 release. Alternatively, the petitioner sought a direction to the Central Government to consider and decide Exhibit P3 revision petition within a time frame set by this Court, and to keep the film’s release on hold until the decision is made.

The Kerala Story 2 controversy

The Kerala Story 2 has raked up a political storm, leaving politicians divided over the subject of the film. Amid the ongoing controversy, the film secured a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) earlier today. 

Reacting to it, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah said, “I am truly grateful to the Censor Board for granting a UA certificate to our film. It reflects their faith in the intent and integrity with which we have told this story. This decision is especially important because it allows us to reach young girls and families across the country.”