Kerala High Court stays release of ‘The Kerala Story 2’ for 15 days

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (February 26) stayed the release of ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ for 15 days. The film was scheduled for release on Friday (February 27).

The High Court order comes in the backdrop of pleas challenging the censor certification awarded to the film. During the hearing, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas also directed the Central Board of Film Certification to re-examine the issue, reported Live Law.

"...The very content in the teaser itself, which is conceded to be part of the movie, has the prima facie potential to distort the public perception and disturb communal harmony...," stated the judge.

HC flags teaser content, certification process

The judge also noted that at first glance, the Central Board of Film Certification appeared to have disregarded the prescribed norms for granting certification. The Board was therefore asked to undertake a fresh consideration of the issue.

Also Read: 'Kerala Story 2': Producer tells HC pleas against release of film premature, misconceived

"Dissemination of content which has a tendency to create discord, disturb law and order, even undermine social harmony cannot come within the gamut of freedom of speech and expression enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India," stated the court.

Writ petition challenges CBFC clearance

The makers of the film have decided to challenge the latest order, according to media reports.

The decision came in response to a writ petition filed in the High Court challenging both the certification of the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the content of the movie itself.

Also Read: Kerala Story 2 plea: ‘Kerala lives in total harmony’, says HC; orders removal of teaser

The petitioners asked the court to cancel the censor certificate and restrain the release of the film, arguing that it could threaten communal harmony in the state. According to their submissions, the issues raised are serious enough that the film should not be allowed to be screened until the legal objections are examined in detail.

Concerns over communal harmony

In its interim order, the High Court agreed to impose a temporary halt on the release. The bench noted that it was necessary to ensure that the concerns raised by the petitioners received due judicial consideration before the film reached the public.

For the next 15 days, the movie will not be shown in theatres, marking a rare instance of judicial intervention just days before a major film’s scheduled release.

Also Read: How The Kerala Story franchise turns manufactured numbers into manufactured rage

The court’s action highlights the weight it has given to arguments about the potential impact of the film on societal harmony. The petitioners argued that the movie, in its current form, could have repercussions for public order and communal relations.

While the filmmakers and the CBFC had earlier defended the certification granted to the film, the High Court chose to take a cautious, interim approach by stopping the release while the petitions are being heard.

Questions raised over U/A certification

During earlier proceedings, the High Court had expressed specific concerns about how the film received a U/A certificate despite claims that its content could disturb social peace. The bench pointedly asked why the CBFC had cleared the movie and recommended that the Board should review the film again and take necessary action. The court’s remarks suggested that it was not satisfied with the explanation for how the certification was granted and wanted to ensure that all statutory guidelines were properly followed.

Also Read: 'Kerala Story 2': HC issues notice to producers, CBFC on plea to quash certification

The stay is a major blow to the producers, who had been preparing for the film’s release with promotional campaigns and marketing efforts. With the High Court’s interim order in place, they now face uncertainty over when the film will eventually be released. Whether the court will lift the stay after 15 days or extend it further will depend on how the matter progresses in court, including additional hearings, arguments from both sides, and possibly the court’s own viewing of the film’s content.

The Kerala Story 2 sequel has already been the subject of controversy, and its release was closely watched by both supporters and critics. With the High Court’s order now in force, audiences will have to wait for the legal process to take its course before the film can be publicly exhibited.