The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the makers of ‘Kerala Story 2‘ to hold the release of the film’s rights, noting that the petitioner’s apprehension against the movie is “probably genuine" and told them to wait for the court’s decision.
The film, which is scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026, has been facing backlash for its portrayal of Indian Muslims. It has also been accused of making exaggerated claims. A biologist named Sreedev Namboodiri filed a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking either a stay on the release and public exhibition of the film, citing “malicious" portrayal of the state.
“I’ll give you enough and more time, but then don’t release while it (hearing) is pending. Wait for the hearing to conclude and for the court to decide on the petitions," said Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. The High Court will take up the hearing tomorrow at 9:45 am, and an interim order is expected on the release of the movie, which has been mired in legal troubles since its announcement.
The Court indicated its inclination to watch the film and noted that the producers of ‘Kerala Story 2’ did not seem keen for it to watch the movie. The judges observed that portraying a state known for communal harmony in a negative light warranted careful judicial scrutiny.
The bench was hearing three petitions filed by individuals seeking a stay on the film’s release and cancellation of the CBFC certificate. The petitioners argued that the movie, which is being promoted as ‘inspired by true events,’ prominently features the name of Kerala in its title despite the sequel’s storyline allegedly lacking a direct connection to the state.
During the hearing, the petitioner said the title of the movie was aimed at defaming Kerala. One of the counsels claimed the stories featured in their film were from Kerala, but the victims they introduced were not from the state
On the other hand, the counsel appearing for the CBFC referred to films such as Delhi Belly, Chennai Express, Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and Delhi 6, arguing that even these titles could offend some individuals and prompt defamation claims, potentially resulting in an endless cycle of objections. The counsel for the makers also questioned the locus standi of the petitioner, saying they were not particularly aggrieved by the release of the film.
They further argued that the issuance of a writ to quash the U/A certification granted to the film was untenable. “There is no question of ‘dignity of Kerala’, it is the dignity of India," the counsel said.
The Kerala Story 2 explores themes of religious conversion and coercion, with its narrative spanning Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha. Its theatrical release is slated for February 27.
