Kerala High Court Stays Release of The Kerala Story 2 Ahead of February 27 Premiere
The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the release of the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2, halting its planned theatrical debut on February 27. The interim order came after a petition challenged the censor certificate issued to the film, raising concerns over its potential social impact.
A single-judge bench led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas questioned the Central Board of Film Certification for granting the film a U/A certificate. The court observed that, prima facie, certification guidelines appeared not to have been adequately considered, prompting judicial intervention.
Citing constitutional principles and earlier Supreme Court rulings, including Atul Mishra v Union of India and S Rangarajan v P Jagjivan Ram, the court noted that repeated exposure to content of a similar nature could influence public attitudes. It emphasised that dissemination of material capable of disturbing law and order cannot be protected solely under freedom of speech and expression.
The petition was filed by biologist Sreedev Namboodiri, who argued that the trailer portrayed Kerala negatively and could stigmatise communities. He contended that the title and narrative risked misrepresenting the state’s social fabric and triggering communal tensions.
Filmmakers are expected to move a larger bench to challenge the stay. Sources indicate the producers are seeking an early copy of the detailed order to pursue urgent relief before the planned release date.
The order reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach in cases where cinematic expression intersects with communal sensitivity. While courts typically avoid last-minute interference, the bench described the matter as exceptional, highlighting Kerala’s history of communal harmony.
The case now shifts to the appellate stage, with the film’s fate dependent on whether the stay is overturned before its scheduled release.