The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted an interim stay on the release of the film “The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond”, observing that there was a prima facie non-application of mind by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) while granting certification. The film was scheduled for release on February 27.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the interim order while hearing two petitions challenging the release of the movie. The petitioners contended that the film misrepresents facts relating to the State of Kerala and submitted that its exhibition could adversely affect communal harmony.
Taking note of the submissions, the Court observed that the guidelines meant to ensure that a film does not disrupt social harmony did not appear to have been followed by the CBFC. The judge orally remarked that, at this stage, the concerns raised by the petitioners appeared to be genuine and that the film should not be released until the matter is heard further.
The Court directed the CBFC to consider the representations submitted by the petitioners and to take a decision on them within two weeks. Until such consideration and decision, the interim stay on the release of the film will continue.
