The Kerala High Court on Friday, February 27, 2026, lifted an interim stay, clearing the path for the immediate release of the film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond'. This decision by a Division Bench overturned a single-judge order that had temporarily halted the movie's screening for 15 days. The film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, was originally scheduled to hit theaters on the same day the stay was lifted.[timesofindia+4]
High Court Overturns Initial Ban
The legal battle unfolded quickly over two days. On Thursday, February 26, a single-judge bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had imposed a 15-day interim stay on the film's release. This judge also directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the U/A certificate granted to the movie.The single judge found that the film's teaser had a "prima facie potential to distort public perception and disturb communal harmony."This initial order came after petitions were filed challenging the film's censor certificate and alleging that certain parts could promote hatred and negatively portray the state.[timesofindia+7]
However, the producers, Sunshine Pictures, quickly appealed the order. An urgent special sitting of a Division Bench, comprising Justices SA Dharmadhikari and PV Balakrishnan, convened on Thursday evening at 7:30 PM to hear the appeal.After a detailed hearing that lasted over two hours, the Bench reserved its verdict.The Division Bench delivered its decision at 4 PM on Friday, vacating the interim stay and allowing the film to be released.[timesofindia+7]
Court Upholds Censor Board's Decision
In its ruling, the Division Bench stated that once the CBFC issues a certification, there is a preliminary assumption that the authority has considered all relevant guidelines, including those related to public order.The court observed that the CBFC had shown "due application of mind" in granting the U/A certificate.This included reviewing the film in its entirety and ensuring modifications were carried out by the filmmakers as directed by the CBFC.[newindianexpress+3]
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah welcomed the verdict. He told the media after the High Court's judgment that the honorable judges found no shortcomings in the CBFC's functioning.Shah highlighted that an eight-member committee, rather than a five-member committee, had reviewed "The Kerala Story 2."He also stressed that if any issues of public order arose from the film's release, it was the state's responsibility to maintain it.[timesofindia+3]
Film Faces Familiar Controversy
'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is a sequel to the controversial 2023 film "The Kerala Story." Both films have faced allegations of stereotyping Kerala and its people and promoting harmful narratives.The trailer for the sequel, released on February 17, 2026, generated significant debate, particularly a scene depicting a group of Muslim women and a man force-feeding beef to a Hindu woman.Petitioners, including Kannur resident Sreedev Namboodiri, argued that the film's trailer portrayed Kerala in a negative light and could damage the state's reputation and communal harmony.Another petitioner, Freddie V Francis, challenged the use of 'Kerala' in the title, arguing it falsely linked the state to terrorism and forced conversions.[ndtv+5]
During the court proceedings, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah's lawyers argued that the film only aims to portray a "social evil" and does not harm or disrespect Kerala or any religious community.They also contended that halting the film's release would cause significant financial losses to the producers, especially given its planned wide distribution.The film was set to be screened in more than 1,800 theaters across India and in 355 centers abroad.[hindustantimes+5]
Release Proceeds Amidst Holiday
With the stay lifted, 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' was cleared to proceed with its theatrical release on February 27, 2026.The timing of the High Court's decision, just before the Supreme Court's Holi vacation until March 9, effectively limits further immediate legal challenges from the petitioners.This means the film will likely be widely seen before any potential appellate remedies become available.[ndtv+4]
The High Court's swift reversal ensures that the producers can proceed with their distribution plans, despite the ongoing public and legal scrutiny surrounding the film's content and its portrayal of sensitive social issues.
