Kerala High Court Questions Producers Over 'The Kerala Story 2' Screening

The Kerala High Court has expressed concerns regarding the reluctance of the producers of 'The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond' to have the film screened for the court. The court is reviewing the censorship clearance granted to the film amid petitions questioning its representation of the state of Kerala and potential implications for public order. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stated, "You are not keen that the Court should watch the movie," highlighting the producers' hesitance. The court's remarks came during a hearing of three petitions that requested a stay on the film's release and the cancellation of its certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The petitioners argue that the film misrepresents Kerala, incites communal disharmony, and could lead to social unrest. The film's marketing claims it is 'inspired by true events' although its storyline reportedly has little grounding in the actual events of Kerala. These issues prompted the court to express its desire to view the film further to assess the validity of the claims made by the petitioners. Initially, during morning sessions, the court expressed its inclination to watch the film, noting the validity of concerns raised by those challenging its release. However, when the matter reconvened after lunch, Senior Counsel S Sreekumar, representing the producers, shifted his position, asserting that the court must first establish whether the cases presented were public interest litigations or private litigations. This change of stance raised further concerns for Justice Thomas, who noted that it appeared the producers were not interested in a judicial review of the film. The CBFC and the producers failed to provide instructions regarding the proposed screening. Consequently, the court indicated it would first determine the maintainability of the petitions before proceeding. The petitions highlight that the CBFC did not adequately consider the potential repercussions of the film on communal stability and societal morality, as mandated by Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act of 1952. The petitioners argue that the film undermines the dignity and reputation of Kerala's citizens, violating fundamental rights protected by Articles 14 (right to equality), 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech), and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution. These petitions are part of ongoing criticism surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2', a sequel to the original film, which had faced backlash for its portrayal of religious radicalisation among women. The court's discussions are set to continue, with the next hearing planned for tomorrow. Legal representation for the parties includes advocates for the petitioners and the producers, prompting broader discussions about the responsibilities of filmmakers regarding the societal implications of their work.