Kerala HC Stays Kerala Story 2 Release For 15 Days

The Kerala High Court has issued a 15-day stay on the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, just a day before its scheduled premiere. The court's decision was influenced by petitions questioning the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)'s decision to grant certification to the film. These petitions were filed by Sreedev Namboothiri from Kannur and others, who argued that the film misrepresents Kerala and could incite communal disharmony.

The court observed that there seemed to be a "non-application of mind" by the censor board while granting certification to The Kerala Story 2. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas led the bench, which also heard arguments from the petitioners seeking a stay on the film's release. The court had earlier remarked that the apprehensions raised by certain sections in Kerala over the film's release couldn't be ignored.

The Kerala Story 2 delves into the themes of forced religious conversion set in the states of Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The film's creators have maintained that it is based on true events. However, it has been mired in controversy since its trailer release earlier this month. The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the film, calling it a "threat to secularism." He said that attempts to portray Kerala as a "center of terrorism" must be collectively rejected. The film's producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, had earlier clarified that their objective was awareness and empowerment. The sequel to the controversial but commercially successful The Kerala Story was cleared for release by the CBFC last week with a U/A 16+ certificate.