The Kerala High Court has stayed the release of the controversial Hindi film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine its certification within two weeks.

About the Film

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is the sequel to the 2023 film The Kerala Story. The sequel is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles.

Following the release of its teaser and trailer, the film sparked political and legal debate, leading to petitions challenging its censor certification.

What Did the Court Say?

On Thursday (February 26), the Kerala High Court issued an interim order staying the film’s release, which was scheduled for theatrical release the following day.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the CBFC had “not applied its mind” adequately while granting certification to the film. The Court directed the CBFC to re-examine the certification process and issue fresh orders within a period of two weeks.

Until such fresh orders are passed, the film will not be allowed to hit the big screens.

Background of the Legal Dispute

The stay order came after interim applications were filed by petitioners challenging the film’s clearance. Earlier, the Court had expressed its willingness to personally screen the movie before delivering a verdict. However, reports indicate that the producer declined this proposal.

The legal scrutiny adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the film’s content and its potential socio-political implications.

Key Entities

Kerala High Court – Judicial authority issuing the stay
Central Board of Film Certification – Film certification authority
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond – Controversial Hindi film
Kamakhya Narayan Singh – Director
Vipul Amrutlal Shah – Producer
Bechu Kurian Thomas – Presiding judge

Final Verdict

The Kerala High Court’s interim stay has temporarily halted the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, intensifying the legal and political scrutiny surrounding the film. The final outcome now hinges on the CBFC’s re-evaluation and the Court’s subsequent orders, making the coming weeks crucial for the film’s theatrical fate.