The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay on the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, halting its scheduled theatrical debut on February 27. The order comes amid ongoing legal challenges related to the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification.
The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has been embroiled in controversy regarding the nature of the certification granted by the CBFC. Petitioners have questioned the decision to award the film a U A rating instead of an A certificate, arguing that the content required stricter classification.
During the hearing, the High Court observed that there appeared to be a prima facie non application of mind in the certification process. Based on this preliminary assessment, the court granted a 15 day interim stay, effectively postponing the film’s release until further examination of the petitions.
In addition to staying the release, the court directed the producers not to proceed with releasing or transferring the film’s rights until the legal proceedings are completed. This includes distribution and related agreements that could facilitate its public screening during the interim period.
The Central Board of Film Certification is responsible for reviewing and classifying films for public exhibition in India. Its decisions can be challenged in court if petitioners believe that certification norms have not been properly applied. In this case, the legal dispute centres on whether the board adequately evaluated the film’s content before granting the U A classification.
The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has generated public attention, given that it is a sequel to an earlier film that had also attracted debate. While the filmmakers have maintained that the project complies with regulatory guidelines, opponents have sought judicial intervention to reassess the certification decision.
Legal experts note that interim stays are typically granted when courts determine that a matter requires detailed consideration and that allowing immediate release could render the petitions ineffective. The 15 day pause provides the court time to review arguments from both sides before issuing further directions.
The producers have not announced a revised release date, pending the outcome of the hearings. The decision underscores the role of the judiciary in overseeing regulatory processes and ensuring adherence to statutory norms.
The next hearing is expected to examine the merits of the petitions challenging the CBFC’s certification. Until a final order is passed, the release of The Kerala Story 2 remains on hold.
The case highlights the intersection of creative expression, regulatory oversight and judicial review in India’s film industry. The final outcome will determine whether the film proceeds to theatres under its current certification or requires reconsideration by the board.
