The Kerala High Court on Friday allowed the theatrical release of The Kerala Story 2, setting aside an earlier interim order that had temporarily halted its screening. The decision came from a division bench that heard an appeal filed by the film’s producer challenging the stay imposed by a single judge. The single-bench order, issued a day earlier, had directed a 15-day pause on the film’s release despite it holding certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The sequel, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has faced controversy since its teaser launch, with critics alleging that it stereotypes Kerala and its residents. The filmmakers, however, have maintained that the narrative draws inspiration from real-life incidents. The court proceedings originated from a petition seeking cancellation of the film’s U/A certificate. The petitioner argued that the film portrays the state negatively and could reinforce harmful stereotypes. During earlier hearings, the court had even expressed concern that promotional material such as the teaser and trailer might pose risks to communal harmony and had questioned whether the CBFC had applied adequate scrutiny before granting certification.
Counsel representing the filmmakers submitted that the film had undergone due process under the Cinematograph Act and had secured the necessary certification. They argued that speculative apprehensions about law and order cannot be grounds for curtailing artistic expression, and that state authorities are responsible for maintaining peace if protests arise.
On the other hand, petitioners reiterated concerns that the film could inflame tensions and was allegedly based on disputed claims. They urged the court to examine whether the portrayal of events adhered to factual accuracy and whether disclaimers were adequate.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the High Court vacated the interim stay, stating that it did not find sufficient grounds at this stage to continue restraining the release. The bench clarified that aggrieved parties are free to seek appropriate legal remedies if specific instances of violation arise after the film’s screening.
After reserving its verdict on the producer’s appeal, the division bench ultimately permitted the film’s release. Soon after the ruling, the makers announced plans to hold a press conference in Mumbai and indicated that the film would be released the same day.
