‘Kerala Story 2’: HC Flags Risks, Quizzes CBFC Over Film Certification

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its approval of the contentious movie ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’. The bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was hearing three petitions seeking a stay on the film’s release and cancellation of its certification, citing concerns that it could incite communal tension and misrepresent the state.

 

Justice Thomas emphasised the importance of the CBFC’s role, noting that Kerala is a secular state that “lives in total harmony,” and cautioned that a film portraying the state through a communal lens could trigger passion and unrest. “Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala. Normally, I do not interfere with any movie because it is a creation of art, but when you say it is inspired by true events and name it Kerala, that has great bearing,” he said.

 

The court observed that since the film claims to be based on real events, the concerns raised by petitioners over misrepresentation and potential communal tensions appeared justified. Justice Thomas also questioned whether the movie complied with CBFC guidelines barring visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious, or other groups.

 

Senior Advocate S. Sreekumar, representing the producers, agreed to withdraw existing teasers until the court passes its verdict and offered to arrange a screening for the judge. Justice Thomas reiterated that while artistic freedom is generally respected, the religious themes in the film necessitate careful scrutiny.

 

The petitions were filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a Kannur native, and Freddy V, Francis, among others. Namboodiri claimed the film’s promotional material contained provocative themes and dialogues, including a closing teaser message stating “ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” (we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight), which he said could incite violence.

 

Francis challenged the use of the word Kerala in the title, arguing that it misrepresents the state and its culture, linking it exclusively to terrorism and forced religious conversion. The petitioners contended that the film undermines the dignity of Keralaites, infringing constitutional protections under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21.

 

A third petition by advocate Athul Roy sought reconsideration of the title without seeking a ban.

 

The court will continue hearing the matter at 2 pm. ‘The Kerala Story 2’ is the sequel to the controversial Hindi film ‘The Kerala Story’, which depicted women from Kerala allegedly recruited by ISIS.

 

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