The Kerala High Court on Wednesday granted an interim stay on the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to reconsider its decision granting certification to the film within two weeks.
Justice Thomas, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the certification, observed that there was a prima facie absence of application of mind by the CBFC while granting approval to the film.
The court allowed the petitions filed by Sreedev Namboodiri and Freddy V Francis, who had moved the High Court against the CBFC’s certification of the sequel. The bench directed the CBFC to consider the petitioners’ representation and pass a reasoned order within a fortnight.
During the proceedings, the court recorded that there were no objections to the interlocutory applications (IAs) filed by the petitioners seeking acceptance of additional documents. Objections raised by the third respondents were overruled, and the additional documents were taken on record.
However, pleadings in a separate writ petition filed by advocate Athul Roy were dismissed as not maintainable.
In the previous hearing, the producers had opposed the pleas, questioning the petitioners’ locus standi. They argued that the grievance projected was public in nature and did not amount to a personal legal injury warranting judicial intervention.
Justice Thomas had then orally observed that the film should not be released until arguments were concluded, noting that the concerns expressed by the petitioners appeared genuine at that stage.
The interim stay will remain in force until the CBFC reconsiders the matter and takes a fresh decision in accordance with law.
What is The Kerala Story controversy?
The sequel’s legal setback comes against the backdrop of controversy that surrounded its predecessor, The Kerala Story, released on May 5, 2023.
The teaser of the 2023 film had claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala were trafficked by ISIS a figure that drew criticism and allegations of factual inaccuracy. The film was accused by critics of promoting a narrative around religious conversions, “love jihad,” and recruitment into ISIS, leading to widespread protests and litigation in several states before its theatrical run.
With the High Court now intervening in the certification of the sequel, the release of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond remains uncertain pending the CBFC’s fresh consideration.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s The Kerala Story 2 was all set to release in cinemas on February 27.
