Kerala High Court Halts ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Release, Flags Concerns Over Communal Harmony

| Published: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 17:48 [IST]

In a significant development ahead of its theatrical debut, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has been put on hold by the Kerala High Court. The Court issued an interim stay on the film’s release, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to revisit the certification granted to the controversial sequel. The order comes amid petitions alleging that the film’s content and title could disturb communal harmony and misrepresent the state of Kerala.

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Court Steps In Ahead of Scheduled Release

Just a day before its planned theatrical release, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond faced a major legal hurdle. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed an interim order halting the film’s release after hearing multiple petitions challenging its CBFC certification. The Court directed the certification board to reconsider the objections raised and deliver a fresh decision within two weeks. Until then, the movie will remain unreleased.

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Concerns Over Communal Harmony and Public Perception

The petitioners argued that the sequel, much like its predecessor, carries themes that could potentially disturb communal harmony. The Court observed that even the teaser appeared to have the capacity to influence public perception about Kerala in a negative manner. It noted that Kerala has long been regarded as a state known for religious harmony, and any portrayal suggesting otherwise requires careful scrutiny.

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Questions Raised Over CBFC’s Application of Mind

In its interim findings, the Court stated that there appeared to be a prima facie lack of proper evaluation by the CBFC while granting the film a U/A 16+ certification. Referring to Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the judge observed that certification guidelines require the Board to ensure that films do not promote communal discord or undermine public order. The Court felt these aspects required deeper examination.

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Debate Over Film Title and ‘True Events’ Claim

One of the core objections raised was the continued use of the term “Kerala” in the film’s title, despite claims that the storyline extends beyond the state. Petitioners argued that associating Kerala with terrorism and forced conversion narratives–especially while marketing the film as “inspired by true events”–could unfairly stigmatise the region. The producers, however, maintained that the phrase “Goes Beyond” signals a broader, multi-state narrative.

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Producers Challenge Maintainability of Petitions

Senior counsel representing the film’s producers questioned the locus standi of the petitioners, arguing that the grievances were general in nature and more suitable for public interest litigation. The producers also contended that the High Court should not substitute its opinion for that of the CBFC, the statutory authority entrusted with film certification. They further argued that the teaser alone cannot be the basis for halting an entire film’s release.

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What Happens Next?

The High Court has directed the Central Government and the CBFC Chairperson to consider the pending revision petitions within two weeks. For now, the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond remains suspended. The case underscores the delicate balance between creative freedom under Article 19(1)(a) and the constitutional safeguards meant to preserve public order and communal harmony. The next CBFC decision will likely determine the film’s immediate future.

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