Kerala High Court Halts Release of The Kerala Story 2 Amid Controversy

The Kerala High Court has intervened to prevent the release of The Kerala Story 2, questioning the film's certification and its potential impact on communal harmony. With ongoing petitions challenging the film's portrayal of Kerala, the court has instructed producers to hold off on distribution until hearings are complete. This legal battle raises significant concerns about the film's content and its implications for societal peace. As the situation develops, the filmmakers have agreed to postpone the release, leaving audiences eager for updates on this contentious issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 22:47 IST

Court Issues Directive on Film Rights

The upcoming film The Kerala Story 2 has encountered legal challenges as the Kerala High Court has instructed the producers to refrain from releasing the film's rights until the pending petitions are resolved. The court raised significant concerns regarding the certification issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), questioning why the film was assigned a U/A rating instead of an ‘A’ certificate. The controversy has intensified with allegations of misrepresentation and worries about communal harmony, just days ahead of its planned release.

Kerala HC's Stance on Film Release

Don't release film rights until arguments are over: Kerala HC

This issue was brought before Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who was reviewing three petitions that sought to revoke the CBFC certification for the film. The petitioners claimed that The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond inaccurately portrays the State of Kerala and could potentially incite communal discord. As the court session approached its end, Senior Advocate S. Sreekumar informed the bench that the film was scheduled for release on Friday, February 27, and that international distribution rights had already been sold. This led the court to express concern over the urgency and possible repercussions of allowing the release before the hearings were completed.

Judicial Observations on Distribution

Justice Thomas remarked that if the producers moved forward with distribution prior to the conclusion of court arguments, it could render the issue moot. He stated, “If you are putting the Court into a corner then I will state until we complete the hearing... don’t release it till the arguments are over.” The judge emphasized that once the rights are granted and the film is released, it would undermine the purpose of judicial review. Acknowledging the petitioners' concerns as “probably genuine,” the court indicated that maintaining the current situation was essential.

Concerns Raised About CBFC's Certification

Court questions CBFC

The bench also scrutinized the CBFC’s choice to issue a U/A certificate for the film. “You have not even given an ‘A’ certificate to the film. You've given U/A,” the court noted, suggesting worries about the film’s content and its appropriateness for younger viewers. The court highlighted that there was not enough time to thoroughly examine the matter before the anticipated release date. Counsel for the CBFC defended the certification, arguing that many films have previously used names of Indian states or cities in their titles, citing examples like Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, and Delhi Belly to counter the objections regarding the film’s title and alleged misrepresentation of Kerala.

Producers' Defense and Future Steps

What are the makers saying?

The producers' counsel asserted that the film tells the stories of women survivors and that the petitions raise broader legal issues beyond the film's narrative. They argued that the request for a writ to annul the certification is legally unfounded. “Kerala is also a part of India. We cannot isolate Kerala from India. What is being sought is something unknown to the law,” the counsel contended. They further dismissed claims regarding the “dignity of Kerala,” emphasizing that it is the dignity of India that holds constitutional significance. After hearing initial arguments, the High Court secured an assurance from the filmmakers that they would not release the film until the court has concluded its hearings and made a ruling. With discussions still ongoing, the matter has been postponed and will resume tomorrow.