Kochi, 26 Feb (H.S.):The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the release of the controversial film ‘The Kerala Story 2’ for 15 days, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the movie. The order was issued by a single bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas while hearing a petition that alleged the film contained misleading and defamatory content about the State of Kerala.

The court observed that the petitioners had raised serious concerns regarding the film’s portrayal of Kerala and its people. It also criticised the filmmakers for not providing an opportunity for the court to independently view the movie before its scheduled release. The film was slated to hit theatres on Friday, making the court’s intervention a significant last-minute development.

In its oral observations, the court noted that the film’s content, including its trailer, appeared to contain statements that could potentially harm Kerala’s long-standing reputation for communal harmony. The bench said the arguments presented in the petition could not be dismissed at this stage and warranted further scrutiny. Petitions seeking cancellation of the film’s exhibition certificate will remain pending until further orders.

The plea was filed by Sridev Namboothiri, a resident of Chittariparamba in Kannur district. The petitioner argued that the film attempts to malign Kerala by portraying it as a hub of extremism and forced religious conversions. According to the petition, the movie paints an entire community and region in a negative light, which could trigger law and order issues in the State.

The petition further alleged that the film propagates the narrative that Kerala is a centre of radicalisation and coercive religious conversion. Scenes depicted in the trailer reportedly suggest that Hindu women in Kerala are lured into relationships and forcibly converted, including controversial references to threats and religious practices. These elements have sparked widespread criticism even before the film’s release.

While notices had earlier been issued to the CBFC and other respondents, the film’s director Kamakhya Narayan Singh defended the project, claiming it reflects existing national realities.

Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under the Sunshine Pictures banner, ‘The Kerala Story 2’ has generated intense debate in Kerala since its trailer was released earlier this month. The matter will be taken up again after the 15-day stay period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman