The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 intensified on Tuesday after the Kerala High Court directed the film's producers to arrange a special screening for the court in Kochi ahead of its scheduled theatrical release on Feb. 27, 2026. The order came while the court was hearing a petition challenging the censor certification granted to the Hindi film.
Following the court's directive, the makers announced that the teaser of the film would be taken down. During the proceedings, Justice Bechu Kurian noted that the concerns raised by people in Kerala regarding the film could not be ignored, underscoring the need for a closer examination of its content before release.
The petition was filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a 26-year-old biologist from Kannur, who argued that the film's title and narrative unfairly portray Kerala and its residents. The plea contends that the Central Board of Film Certification did not adequately assess whether the film could affect public order, morality or national integrity, as required under the Cinematograph Act.
It also alleges that the trailer suggests a storyline set largely outside Kerala while still linking the subject to the state in a manner that could create division and reinforce stereotypes. The sequel has already drawn sharp political reactions. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier criticised the project, describing it as an attempt to fuel communal tension.
The film's director, Kamakhya Narayan Singh, responded by defending the project, stating that it is based on documented incidents and intended to highlight issues that, according to him, deserve attention. Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah also maintained that the film does not target Kerala or its people, adding that the intention is to present the stories of alleged victims.
The trailer, released on Feb. 17, presents three parallel narratives involving young Hindu women from different states who are shown facing coercion and religious conversion after entering relationships with Muslim men. The film features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in key roles.
The original The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen and released in 2023, had also sparked widespread debate before its release. Despite the controversy, it later won two National Awards — for Best Director and Best Cinematography.
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With the High Court set to view the sequel before its release, the future course of the film will depend on the court's observations, even as the debate around its subject continues to generate strong reactions from different quarters.
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