The Centre on Wednesday defended the censor certification granted to the sequel of The Kerala Story before the Kerala High Court, stating that the film does not threaten public order or portray the state in a negative light and that creative freedom cannot be curbed.
Calling a petition seeking cancellation of the certification premature, the government told the court that the Central Board of Film Certification had examined the film in detail before granting approval.
The film’s trailer has triggered controversy ahead of its proposed release.
The trailer portrayed a fictional account of Hindu women being trapped in relationships by Muslim men and faced backlash over several scenes, including one depicting a Hindu woman being forced to eat beef.
The petition, filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a biologist, challenges the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification. It argues that the Board failed to assess whether the film threatens public order, decency, morality, or national integrity, and claims the movie contains malicious and stereotypical projections that alienate Kerala and its people.
The petitioner also objected to the promotional line “we will not tolerate anymore, we will fight,” calling it provocative, and questioned the continued use of the title.
Appearing for the Centre, counsel Arjun Venugopal argued that the writ petition is not maintainable and that the petitioner has no locus standi. He said the CBFC described the narrative as a fictionalised dramatisation inspired by true events and not intended to defame Kerala or any community. The film was cleared after scrutiny by an examining committee that included subject experts and Kerala-based social activists under Section 5B guidelines.
Justice Bechu Kurian cautioned against rushing the court and questioned aspects of the film’s content during the hearing. The matter remains under consideration.