Three petitions were filed in the Kerala High Court before the release of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. The petitioners raised questions about the state’s image and possible communal impact. The court sought a reply from CBFC on certification and asked to watch the film first.
The film ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’ produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah is releasing on 27 February. Earlier, the Kerala High Court has given instructions to make arrangements for the screening of the film. Three petitions have been filed regarding its impact on society.
Vipul Amritlal Shah’s upcoming film ‘The Kerala Story 2’ is stuck in legal troubles. Three petitions have been filed in the Kerala High Court, alleging that the promotion material of the film has defamed the state and exaggerated the violence. A petition filed by Kannur resident Srideva Namboodiri said the teaser and trailer contain themes and dialogues that incite violence. On the other hand, another petition filed by Freddy V Francis has sought a ban on the release of ‘The Kerala Story’ and challenged the use of the state’s name in the title. The third petition has been filed by advocate Atul Roy, who has also challenged the certification and name of the film.
Why is Kerala Story 2 in court?
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (February 24) questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over granting certificate to the film Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas said the court would watch the film before deciding on the petitions over possible communal tension. Describing Kerala as a secular state, the court said that the film claims to be based on real events. For this reason, the judge believes that the petition appears to be legitimate enough to be accepted.
Film maker presented his side
Senior advocate S Sreekumar, counsel for ‘The Kerala Story 2’, said in the court that the teasers of the film can be removed till the court’s decision. However, the film maker clarified in an official statement that the promotional content is still available on the social media platform. “The matter is currently sub-judice. No court has ordered the removal of any content. We have not removed or deleted any content. The teaser and trailer of ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’ is available on all our official platforms. We appeal to media organizations, digital platforms and others to refrain from spreading baseless information and speculation. Such misinformation creates unnecessary confusion,” the statement said.
What will Kerala Story 2 look like in the Kerala High Court?
While the film’s spokesperson at the court said Nicholas Kurian would be appearing for the film, the prosecutor said the court generally avoids infringing on freedom of expression, but considering the film’s religious theme warranted consideration of the nomination in this case.