The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to the producers of the Hindi film "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond." T^[1][2]his legal action follows a writ petition challenging the film's certification. T^[1][3]he court's intervention happened on Thursday, February 19, just days before the movie's planned release. "^[1][4]The Kerala Story 2" is scheduled to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. T^[5][4][6]he notice from Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas raises questions about whether the film will be released as planned. T^[1][5][7]he next hearing in the case is set for Tuesday, February 24. T^[1][5]his legal challenge adds significant uncertainty to the film's premiere. ^[7]### Petition Alleges Negative Portrayal, Communal Discord Sreedev Namboodiri, a resident of Kannur district, filed the writ petition on February 18. H^[3][8]e claims the film portrays Kerala in an unfair and negative manner. N^[1][9]amboodiri’s petition specifically argues that the movie’s title, "The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond," unfairly links alleged incidents of terrorism, forced conversion, and demographic conspiracy exclusively with the state of Kerala. This ^[1][3]association is made despite the film's storyline reportedly involving narratives from multiple Indian states. The ^[1][4]petitioner contends that such a portrayal has the potential to stigmatize the entire regional population of Kerala. He al^[3][8]so fears it could disturb public order and incite communal and regional disharmony. The p^[3][9]etition highlights the film's teaser, which ends with the Hindi slogan "Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge" (We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight). Namboodir^[1][4]i argues this slogan could be seen as a call for retaliation and might provoke violence among the public. ### Film^[1][10] Certification Process Under Scrutiny The petition directly challenges the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for granting the film its certificate. Namboodir^[3][5]i alleges the CBFC did not properly apply the safeguards required under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. This cruc^[1][3][4]ial section prohibits the certification of films that could threaten public order, decency, or morality, or those likely to incite offenses. The peti^[1][4]tioner claims that the CBFC approved the film without suggesting necessary edits, disclaimers, or even reconsidering its controversial title. He also r^[1]eferenced the legal issues faced by the first "The Kerala Story" film. That earl^[1][4]ier film's producers had to agree to include a disclaimer in the Supreme Court. This disc^[1][4]laimer clarified that certain figures in the original film were unverified and that the story was a fictionalized account. Namboodir^[1][4][11]i argues that despite these past controversies and judicial scrutiny, the sequel received certification without enough review of its potential impact on communal harmony. ### Kera^[4]la Chief Minister, Union Minister React Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has voiced strong opposition to the film. He descri^[1][4]bed "The Kerala Story 2" as a "propaganda film of Sangh Parivar" with an agenda to spread hatred against Kerala and insult its secular traditions. The Chief^[1][4] Minister stated that the release of a second part of such a film should be taken seriously. In contr^[4]ast, Union Minister Giriraj Singh has publicly supported "The Kerala Story 2." Speaking ^[12]to reporters, Singh asserted that filmmakers and producers have the right to show the truth to the country. He added ^[12]that if such truths are not shown, today's youth might remain confused. The All ^[12]India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), a religious body, has also criticized the film. AIMJ Pres^[13]ident Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi slammed the movie, alleging it promotes false narratives and fuels communal tension. He claime^[13]d these efforts are part of a "planned effort to defame Muslims." ### Cont^[13]roversial Trailer and Film Plot Details "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond" is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, a National Award winner. Vipul Amrut^[12][6][14]lal Shah serves as the producer and writer. The film fe^[12][14]atures a new cast, including Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha, who play the three central characters. The film's^[6][7] trailer, officially released on February 17, has already sparked significant controversy. The footage^[6] opens with a chilling proclamation that India could become an Islamic state within the next 25 years. It then shi^[6][15]fts to portray narratives of Hindu women allegedly being trapped by Islamic men in the name of love. The trailer^[12][6] suggests that romance transforms into control, silence, and ultimately, the destruction of freedom. The storyl^[12]ine is said to move beyond Kerala's borders, introducing a distraught Hindu family in Rajasthan attempting to file a POCSO case. This follow^[6]s their 16-year-old daughter allegedly being coerced into changing her religion. The narrati^[6]ve also returns to Kerala, depicting a Muslim man pressuring his Hindu girlfriend into a live-in relationship. The film ex^[6]plores intense confrontations when she refuses to abandon her faith. Producer Vi^[6]pul Amrutlal Shah noted that these stories are inspired by nearly seven months of extensive research and documented court cases from across India. ### Legal ^[6]Battle's Next Steps The petition seeks a complete quashing of the certification granted to "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond." It asks the c^[1][4]ourt to direct the CBFC to reconsider the certification process, taking into account statutory and constitutional safeguards. As an alterna^[1][4]tive, the petitioner has requested a suspension of the film's release. This suspensi^[1]on would remain in place until a decision is made on the revision petition. Other request^[1]ed modifications include a reconsideration of the film's title and the insertion of adequate disclaimers. With the nex^[1][3]t hearing scheduled for February 24, the Kerala High Court will continue to examine these serious allegations. The outcome o^[1][5]f this legal proceeding will significantly impact the controversial film's release plans. The ongoing j^[7]udicial scrutiny underscores the deep divisions and strong reactions surrounding the movie's themes and portrayal of sensitive issues.

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