In a major last-minute setback to the makes of The Kerala Story 2, the High Court on Wednesday stalled the February 27 release of the film, observing that the Central Board of Film Certification had not adequately examined the film before granting clearance.
Hearing a petition challenging the certification, Justice Bechu Kurian had directed the producers to arrange a special screening for the court in Kochi, saying the concerns raised by sections of people in Kerala could not be ignored and required closer scrutiny. F
ollowing the order, the makers said the teaser would be taken down.
The plea, filed by Kannur-based biologist Sreedev Namboodiri, argues that the film's title and narrative unfairly link a story largely set outside the state to Kerala, potentially harming public order and reinforcing stereotypes in violation of the Cinematograph Act.
The sequel has triggered sharp political and public reactions even before its release.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier criticised the project, calling it an attempt to create communal tension, while director Kamakhya Narayan Singh and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah have defended the film, saying it is based on documented incidents and aims to present the experiences of alleged victims without targeting the state or its people.
The trailer, released on February 17, follows three parallel stories of young Hindu women from different regions who are shown facing coercion and religious conversion after relationships with Muslim men, with Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in key roles.
The first film, directed by Sudipto Sen in 2023, had also sparked intense debate before release but went on to win National Awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography. The fate of the sequel will now depend on the High Court's viewing and subsequent observations.
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