Kochi, 27 Feb (H.S.):The Kerala High Court is set to pronounce its verdict today on an appeal filed by the producers of the film “Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond,” challenging a single bench order that stayed its release for 15 days. The division bench, which conducted an urgent late-night hearing on the matter, had reserved its decision after hearing arguments from both sides.

The appeal was considered on an emergency basis as the film’s release had originally been scheduled for today. However, with the court reserving its verdict, the release date has now been postponed. The division bench comprising Justices Shushrut Aravind Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan held a special sitting to examine the producers’ plea against the interim stay.

Earlier, a single bench of the High Court had halted the film’s release after a petition alleged that it contained misleading and defamatory portrayals of Kerala. The court directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the film and imposed a 15-day stay on its release, observing that the concerns raised warranted further scrutiny.

The producers subsequently moved the division bench, arguing that the stay order was unjustified and that the film had already received certification. They sought urgent intervention to lift the stay and allow the film’s release as planned.

The petition against the film was filed by Sreedevan Namboothiri, a resident of Chittariparamba in Kannur district. In his plea, the petitioner contended that the movie attempts to malign Kerala by portraying it in a negative and distorted manner. He argued that the film could potentially create law and order issues and disturb communal harmony in the State.

According to the petition, “Kerala Story 2” allegedly paints an entire population in a misleading light and promotes the narrative that Kerala is a hub of communalism and religious conversions. The petitioner maintained that such depiction is not only inaccurate but also harmful to the State’s social fabric and reputation.

With the division bench’s verdict expected today, all eyes are on the High Court as the legal battle over the controversial film enters a crucial phase.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman