Kerala High Court Hears Appeal on The Kerala Story 2 Release Halt

The release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond remains uncertain after the Kerala High Court concluded hearings on an appeal challenging a single-judge order that temporarily stalled the film’s release for 15 days. The filmmakers sought urgent relief, but no immediate order was passed.

A division bench comprising Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and P V Balakrishnan heard arguments from both sides late into the evening. The producers had moved the court within hours of the interim stay order, arguing that the delay would cause irreparable losses and increase the risk of piracy.

Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Community Targeting

Those opposing the film argued that its teaser and trailer portray Kerala in a negative light and suggest that a particular social issue originated in the state before spreading nationwide. They contended that such representation could harm the image of Kerala and unfairly target a community.

The petitioners cited Supreme Court observations in past rulings, emphasising that it is constitutionally impermissible to target any group based on religion, caste, or region. According to them, even the subtitle “Goes Beyond” reinforces the perception that the issue began in Kerala.

The court questioned how the earlier plea was entertained and examined whether the alleged concerns amounted to a violation of constitutional rights. The bench repeatedly asked what specific aspects of the film harmed residents of Kerala and sought clarity on how individual rights under Article 21 were affected.

Filmmakers Defend Creative Freedom

Counsel representing the filmmakers argued that the movie addresses a social issue and falls within the ambit of creative freedom. They maintained that India’s democratic framework supports free expression and that films have previously portrayed religious themes, including satire on Hindu deities, without similar restrictions.

The makers also questioned the reasoning behind the single-judge order, which had criticised the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The earlier order had described the certification as “manifestly arbitrary,” prompting the producers to challenge the decision.

The filmmakers’ legal team stressed that the sequel expands the narrative beyond Kerala and includes characters from multiple states. They argued that portraying social issues within a community does not undermine constitutional values.

Next Steps

Earlier in the day, a single-judge bench had directed that the film not be released on its scheduled date. With the division bench now having heard both sides, the matter awaits a final decision.

The outcome will determine whether The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, can proceed with its release. The case has reignited debate around censorship, free speech, and the balance between artistic expression and community sensitivities in India’s film industry.