The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to the producers of the Hindi film "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond." This legal action follows a writ petition challenging the film's certification. The court's intervention happened on Thursday, February 19, just days before the movie's planned release. "The Kerala Story 2" is scheduled to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. The notice from Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas raises questions about whether the film will be released as planned. The next hearing in the case is set for Tuesday, February 24. This legal challenge adds significant uncertainty to the film's premiere.[onmanorama+13]
Petition Alleges Negative Portrayal, Communal Discord
Sreedev Namboodiri, a resident of Kannur district, filed the writ petition on February 18. He claims the film portrays Kerala in an unfair and negative manner. Namboodiri’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 association is made despite the film's storyline reportedly involving narratives from multiple Indian states.[legal+5]
The petitioner contends that such a portrayal has the potential to stigmatize the entire regional population of Kerala. He also fears it could disturb public order and incite communal and regional disharmony. The petition highlights the film's teaser, which ends with the Hindi slogan "Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge" (We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight). Namboodiri argues this slogan could be seen as a call for retaliation and might provoke violence among the public.[onmanorama+7]
Film Certification Process Under Scrutiny
The petition directly challenges the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for granting the film its certificate. Namboodiri alleges the CBFC did not properly apply the safeguards required under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. This crucial section prohibits the certification of films that could threaten public order, decency, or morality, or those likely to incite offenses.[legal+4]
The petitioner claims that the CBFC approved the film without suggesting necessary edits, disclaimers, or even reconsidering its controversial title. He also referenced the legal issues faced by the first "The Kerala Story" film. That earlier film's producers had to agree to include a disclaimer in the Supreme Court. This disclaimer clarified that certain figures in the original film were unverified and that the story was a fictionalized account. Namboodiri argues that despite these past controversies and judicial scrutiny, the sequel received certification without enough review of its potential impact on communal harmony.[onmanorama+9]
Kerala Chief Minister, Union Minister React
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has voiced strong opposition to the film. He described "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 ChiefMinister stated that the release of a second part of such a film should be taken seriously.[onmanorama+3]
In contrast, Union Minister Giriraj Singh has publicly supported "The Kerala Story 2." Speaking to reporters, Singh asserted that filmmakers and producers have the right to show the truth to the country. He added that if such truths are not shown, today's youth might remain confused.[indianexpress+2]
The All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), a religious body, has also criticized the film. AIMJ President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi slammed the movie, alleging it promotes false narratives and fuels communal tension. He claimed these efforts are part of a "planned effort to defame Muslims."[m+2]
Controversial Trailer and Film Plot Details
"The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond" is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, a National Award winner. Vipul Amrutlal Shah serves as the producer and writer. The film features a new cast, including Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha, who play the three central characters.[m+4]
The film'strailer, officially released on February 17, has already sparked significant controversy. The footageopens with a chilling proclamation that India could become an Islamic state within the next 25 years. It then shifts to portray narratives of Hindu women allegedly being trapped by Islamic men in the name of love. The trailersuggests that romance transforms into control, silence, and ultimately, the destruction of freedom.[m+6]
The storyline is said to move beyond Kerala's borders, introducing a distraught Hindu family in Rajasthan attempting to file a POCSO case. This follows their 16-year-old daughter allegedly being coerced into changing her religion. The narrative also returns to Kerala, depicting a Muslim man pressuring his Hindu girlfriend into a live-in relationship. The film explores intense confrontations when she refuses to abandon her faith. Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah noted that these stories are inspired by nearly seven months of extensive research and documented court cases from across India.[m+4]
Legal Battle's Next Steps
The petition seeks a complete quashing of the certification granted to "The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond." It asks the court to direct the CBFC to reconsider the certification process, taking into account statutory and constitutional safeguards. As an alternative, the petitioner has requested a suspension of the film's release. This suspension would remain in place until a decision is made on the revision petition. Other requested modifications include a reconsideration of the film's title and the insertion of adequate disclaimers.[onmanorama+5]
With the next hearing scheduled for February 24, the Kerala High Court will continue to examine these serious allegations. The outcome of this legal proceeding will significantly impact the controversial film's release plans. The ongoing judicial scrutiny underscores the deep divisions and strong reactions surrounding the movie's themes and portrayal of sensitive issues.[onmanorama+4]
