Kerala High Court to Hear Petitions on The Kerala Story 2 Release

The Kerala High Court has scheduled a hearing for Thursday regarding petitions that contest the censor certificate granted to the film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond. The legal challenges arise from concerns surrounding the film's portrayal of women from various states, despite its title suggesting a singular link to Kerala.

Petitioners assert that both the teaser and trailer imply narratives related to terrorism and forced conversions, associating these issues predominantly with the state of Kerala. This has raised alarms as the promotional material indicates that none of the 37 women depicted as victims of forced conversion originate from Kerala, yet the state's name prominently features in the film's title.

On Wednesday, a Bench led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted the unusual circumstance, stating that the court had not seen the film and observed that filmmakers were not inclined to exhibit it for judicial review, a request made by the court in a prior session. Petitioners argue that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has a responsibility to ensure that the title of a film does not mislead the public, as doing so could lead to social unrest.

The petitioners caution that the screening of The Kerala Story 2 could result in individuals from Kerala facing discrimination, thus tarnishing the reputation of the region based on fabricated narratives tied to their birthplace. They further emphasise that free speech should not allow for the denigration of any community and label the references to Kerala as stereotypical and scandalous, undermining the state's known legacy of communal harmony.

In response, the filmmakers maintain that films can be shared online without needing a censor certificate. The producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has submitted an affidavit claiming that the petitions against the film are “premature, misconceived, and not maintainable.” Shah reiterated that the CBFC is the exclusive authority under the Cinematograph Act of 1952 responsible for film certification. He also contended that restricting the screening of a certified film based solely on a brief teaser is unjustified unless the complete work has been reviewed. Additionally, Shah pointed out that the phrase ‘Goes Beyond’ in the film's title serves as a clear indication that its narrative transcends the geographical boundaries of Kerala.

The outcome of the hearing could have significant implications for the film's release, scheduled for Friday, as it confronts legal challenges that highlight ongoing tensions over representation and freedom of expression in Indian cinema.