Kerala High Court Halts Release of Controversial Film 'The Kerala Story 2'

Court Decision on Film Release

On Thursday, the Kerala High Court issued a stay on the release of the film The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond, citing concerns that it might disrupt communal harmony. The film was scheduled for release on Friday.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted that, upon initial review, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had overlooked essential guidelines in its approval process and directed a re-evaluation of the film.

According to the bench, “The content in the teaser itself, which is acknowledged to be part of the film, has the potential to distort public perception and disturb communal harmony.”

The film reportedly portrays women from different states being enticed into relationships with Muslim men and pressured into converting to Islam. The teaser, released on February 17, features a scene where a Hindu woman is forced to consume beef.

Previously, the filmmakers contended in court that the scenes depicted in the teaser do not reflect the actual content of the movie.

In response to three petitions contesting the censor certificate for the film, the High Court emphasized that sharing content that could disrupt public order and threaten social harmony does not fall under the umbrella of free speech.

Earlier in the week, the bench indicated it would view the film before making a final decision on the petitions. Justice Thomas expressed that since the film claims to be based on real events, the petitioners' concerns about misrepresentation and the potential for inciting communal tensions seemed valid.

“Kerala is known for its secularism,” the judge remarked. “It thrives on harmony, but have you considered the implications when something is portrayed as occurring throughout the state? This could lead to misinterpretations and incite emotions, which is where the censor board's role becomes crucial.”

Following the teaser's release, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the film on social media, claiming it was designed to foster animosity against Kerala and undermine its secular values.

“It is our collective duty to ensure that the secular foundation of Kerala remains intact against false narratives,” Vijayan stated on social media.