A petition has been moved before the Kerala High Court seeking cancellation of the certification granted to the upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond', and a stay on its release, Bar and Bench reported.
The plea, filed by Kannur native Sreedev Namboodiri, contends that the film portrays Kerala in an unfair and misleading manner and has the potential to incite communal and regional disharmony. The petitioner has argued that the movie could trigger law and order issues in the State.
The matter came up for hearing before Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the film’s producer, Sunshine Pictures, directing them to file their responses. The case has been posted for further hearing on February 24.
The Kerala Story 2 is a sequel to the controversial Hindi film The Kerala Story, which depicted the alleged recruitment of women from Kerala into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The sequel has also drawn criticism ahead of its release.
In his petition, Namboodiri has challenged the certification granted to the film under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. He has alleged that the CBFC failed to adequately assess the potential impact of the movie on public order, decency and morality, as required under the law.
The plea further claims that certain dialogues and themes in the teaser and trailer could inflame communal tensions. It argues that while the promotional material shows women from multiple States, the film continues to carry the title The Kerala Story, thereby creating a misleading association between Kerala and terrorism or forced religious conversion.
According to the petitioner, such portrayal undermines the dignity and reputation of the people of Kerala and infringes their constitutional rights under Articles 14 and 21. The petition also raises concerns regarding the reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
The petitioner has sought quashing of the film’s certification, suspension of its release pending consideration of his revision petition, or alternatively, directions to modify the film. These include reconsideration of the title and the insertion of appropriate disclaimers to prevent what he describes as regional vilification.