Kerala High Court questions the CBFC certification process of The Kerala Story 2, raising concerns about sensitive content and public impact
New Delhi: The Kerala High Court has stopped the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond just one day before it was supposed to hit theatres. The court raised concerns about the film’s content and questioned how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved it. This decision has triggered a big legal debate about film certification and free speech in India.
A single-judge bench, led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, issued an interim stay on February 26, 2026. The film was set to release on February 27 in theatres. The court said the CBFC’s process of approving the U/A certificate did not seem thorough enough.
Petitions Challenged Certification
Petitioners, including lawyer Sreedev Namboothiri, filed cases against the film. They argued that the movie could harm Kerala’s image and disturb public peace. They said the trailer and promotions made Kerala look like a place of interfaith tensions and social conflict, even if that was not true.
The petitioners also said that the CBFC did not follow the rules under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which require checking a film’s impact on public order, morality, and decency before granting certification.
Court’s Interim Order
The court said the petitioners raised valid concerns and the issue needed careful review. It told the filmmakers to not release or screen the film until the legal case is fully decided.
The judges also asked why the CBFC gave a U/A certificate instead of a more restrictive rating, given the sensitive content. They said the guidelines to protect social harmony did not seem to be fully followed.
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The court asked the CBFC to recheck the petitions and review its certification decision. The film cannot release until the board issues a fresh or confirmed certificate.
Controversial Trailer and Title
The trailer released earlier caused public outrage. Critics said it wrongly showed Kerala as a state with forced conversions, interfaith coercion, and social unrest.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) state executive even passed a resolution demanding that the certification be canceled and legal action be taken against the makers.
Critics also said using “Kerala” in the title with such themes could unfairly stigmatize the state and its people. They warned it could create communal or regional tension.
CBFC Certification and Edits
The CBFC gave the film a U/A 16+ certificate after making several cuts. These included shortening intimate and assault scenes. The board also required disclaimers stating the movie was “inspired by true events” and not a factual depiction.
Even with these edits, petitioners said the board did not fully consider the potential social impact of the film.
Filmmakers Respond
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah of Sunshine Pictures opposed the court’s order. He said only the CBFC has the legal authority to certify films under the Cinematograph Act. He argued the court should not interfere unless there was clear proof of bias or legal violation.
Shah called the petitions “premature” and “misconceived.” He said the film followed proper procedures and stopping its release based only on the trailer was unfair.
He added that the CBFC had reviewed the full movie before giving it a U/A certificate and that the board’s decision followed the law.
Public Debate and Impact
The Kerala High Court’s order has started a wider discussion about creative freedom, censorship rules, and judicial oversight. Supporters say films should be free to explore sensitive themes. Critics argue that films using real place names and social issues must be careful.
The case also highlights tensions over how films represent communities and how courts intervene. With the release delayed, the final decision could set an important precedent for future film certification cases.
What Happens Next
The Kerala High Court will continue hearing the petitions. It will decide whether The Kerala Story 2 can get a new certification, needs more edits, or should remain banned.
The ruling will affect not only this film but also set guidelines for free speech and film certification in India’s film industry.
Watch The Trailer Below By Sunshine Pictures on Youtube:
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