The Kerala High Court has ordered the producers of the film The Kerala Story 2 to halt the release of its rights until a decision is made on petitions challenging the film’s certification.
During the hearing, the court expressed that the concerns raised by the petitioners seemed valid. As a result, the filmmakers were instructed to delay their plans, with the court stating that the film should not release as scheduled the following day. The court emphasized that it needed time to review the petitions before any decisions could be made.
The judges also questioned the certification provided by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking clarification on why the film was given a U/A rating instead of an ‘A’. They expressed surprise at the certification level and noted that the producers did not seem to be pushing for an immediate release, highlighting the need for a thorough examination of the issue.
In defense of the certification, a representative from the CBFC pointed out that many films have used names of Indian states or cities in their titles, citing examples like Go Goa Gone and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. This was presented as evidence that objections to the film’s title were not unusual.
On the other hand, the producers’ legal team argued that the film centers on the experiences of women survivors and that the challenges raised by the petitioners reflect broader legal issues. They maintained that the call for the certification to be quashed was not legally valid.
The court reiterated that Kerala is part of India and emphasized that the matter at hand reflects not just the region’s dignity but also the dignity of the country as a whole. After taking initial statements into account, the court confirmed that the filmmakers agreed to wait for the verdict before making any further steps. The hearing has been adjourned and will continue on February 26.
The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has attracted significant political and public attention after the release of its trailer. Featuring actors Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha, The Kerala Story 2 is slated for release on February 27.
