The Kerala High Court has issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the producers of the film “The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond” on a writ petition seeking quashing of the film’s certification and directions for modifications, including reconsideration of its title.
A single bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the order while considering the petition filed by Kannur native Sreedev Namboodiri. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 24. The film is scheduled for release on February 27.
The petitioner has challenged the grant of certification to the film by the CBFC, contending that it was issued without due compliance with the statutory requirements under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
According to the plea, the teaser and trailer of the film depict narratives involving women from multiple states but present the content under the title “The Kerala Story”, thereby associating allegations of terrorism, forced conversion and demographic conspiracy exclusively with the State of Kerala.
The petition states that such portrayal has the potential to stigmatise an entire regional population, disturb public order, and incite communal and regional disharmony.
It further relies on the controversy surrounding the first part of the film, which had been the subject of proceedings before the Supreme Court, and argues that the CBFC failed to adequately assess the impact of the sequel on public order, decency and morality as required under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act.
The petitioner has also alleged that certain concluding statements in the teaser and trailer amount to a call for retaliatory action, creating an apprehension of law and order issues.
The plea seeks:
- Quashing of the CBFC certification granted to the film
- A direction for reconsideration of the certification in accordance with law
- Suspension of the film’s release pending disposal of the petition
- Appropriate modifications, including reconsideration of the title and insertion of disclaimers, to prevent regional vilification and disturbance of public order
The petitioner has invoked Articles 14, 19(2) and 21 of the Constitution, contending that the statutory and constitutional safeguards have not been complied with.
Upon preliminary consideration, the High Court issued notice to the respondents and listed the matter for further hearing on February 24.
No interim order has been passed at this stage.
