‘The Kerala Story 2’ has been in the midst of controversy and now The Kerala High Court has ordered the makers to refrain from releasing its rights until the court rules on petitions contesting the movie’s certification.During the proceedings, the bench said that the concerns flagged by the petitioners appeared “probably genuine” and instructed the producers to pause the scheduled release of the film’s rights. “Do not release the rights for the movie tomorrow. Wait for the hearing to conclude and for the court to decide on the petitions,” the bench said, according to India Today.
The court also raised questions for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding the classification granted to the film. “You have not even given an ‘A’ certificate to the film. You’ve given U/A,” the bench remarked, expressing surprise at the certification decision. It further observed that the filmmakers themselves did not appear eager to screen the film immediately and pointed out that there was insufficient time to scrutinise the matter thoroughly.Representing the CBFC, counsel argued that the use of names of Indian states and cities in film titles is not unprecedented. To support the argument, examples such as Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Delhi Belly were cited to counter objections surrounding the film’s title.On behalf of the producers, counsel maintained that the film focuses on the experiences of women survivors and that the petition ventures beyond the film’s actual content. “The main question is not about the movie, but whether this is a petition filed by an aggrieved party, a public interest petition, or something else,” the counsel submitted.They further contended that the remedy being sought — a writ to nullify the certification — lacks legal basis. “Kerala is also a part of India. We cannot isolate Kerala from India. What is being sought is something unknown to the law,” the counsel argued. Addressing claims about the state’s reputation, the court was told, “There is no question of ‘dignity of Kerala’; it is the dignity of India.”After hearing preliminary arguments from both sides, the bench recorded the assurance given by the filmmakers’ counsel that they would hold off on releasing the film until the court delivers its verdict.With submissions still incomplete, the matter was adjourned and will resume tomorrow.‘The Kerala Story 2’, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has sparked renewed controversy reminiscent of the backlash faced by its predecessor. The film alleges that young Hindu women are enticed into interfaith marriages, subjected to abuse, deprived of their rights, and compelled to convert to Islam.
