Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who was considering the petitions, stated that the petitioners’ concerns relating to the film are justified as the movie claims to be inspired by true events.
“Kerala is so secular. It lives with total harmony, but have you considered this when something is portrayed as happening all over the state? There is a wrong indication and can even incite passion, and that is when the censor board (CBFC) comes in picture,” said Thomas.
Justice added, “The film is projected as being inspired by true events and that, prima facie, shows that the concerns raised by the petitioners appear to have some justification.”
Further, the Justice noted how the film carried the state’s name.
“Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala. Normally, I do not interfere with any movie because it is a creation of an art, but then you say it is inspired by true events and named it Kerala, which can create some communal tension,” said the Justice.
Further, the Justice questioned if the film adhered to the CBFC rule that prohibits contemptuous content.
“See freedom of creativity is there, but there are certain conditions by the CBFC to be followed. Question is are you aware of that? Presumption can be reversed by the movie itself, but this is not just creation; you say it is inspired by true events. That has a great bearing,” said the court.
The court also decided to watch the film before releasing a final verdict on it. Senior Advocate S Sreekumar, who appeared for the makers of the film, agreed to remove the teasers of the film from all platforms until the verdict.
Central Board of Film Certification grants UA certification to The Kerala Story 2
Meanwhile, The Kerala Story 2 has been granted a UA certificate with 16 modifications. A disclaimer has been added stating that the film is based on true events, and documents were submitted to support scenes claimed to be based on real incidents. The duration of static text has been increased and supported with a voiceover. Violent scenes involving women, including the rape scene, have been reduced by 50%. The scene showing a woman’s head being hit against a wall has also been shortened. The lip-lock scene has been reduced by 50%. A consent letter has been submitted for the minor artiste used in the film.