Kerala High Court Clears Release of Kerala Story 2, Sets Aside Earlier Stay Order
The Kerala High Court on Friday removed the temporary halt imposed on the release of Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, paving the way for its theatrical launch.
A Division Bench comprising Justices S. A. Dharmadhikari and P. V. Balakrishnan suspended the previous day’s ruling delivered by a single judge, effectively allowing the film to be screened as scheduled.
The decision came after filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah approached the court in appeal, challenging the interim order that had stalled the movie’s release for two weeks.
Background of the Legal Dispute
On Thursday, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had temporarily restrained the film’s release and directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the certification granted to the movie.
The judge observed that, at first glance, there appeared to be an inadequate application of mind by the certification authority in evaluating the film’s content.
The single-judge order further noted that the sequel — following the controversial The Kerala Story — might risk fostering communal tension or casting a religious community in a negative light.
The court cautioned that releasing the film without further scrutiny from higher authorities could be legally questionable.
Division Bench Questions Basis of Interim Stay
Hours after the interim stay was issued, the producers moved swiftly to file an appeal. The Division Bench conducted a late-night hearing on Thursday and expressed reservations about whether such a significant decision could be based solely on the teaser released the previous week.
The appellate court appeared to suggest that a final view on the film’s impact would require a fuller assessment rather than reliance on promotional material alone.
Concerns Raised by the Single Judge
In his order, the single judge had remarked that while a single film addressing a sensitive social subject might not substantially influence public perception, repeated narratives built around similar themes could gradually shape attitudes.
The judge highlighted the possibility that the sequel’s portrayal — judging from teaser footage — might cultivate hostility toward a particular religious group, potentially encouraging communal polarization or even disturbing public order.
The court had emphasized that the cumulative effect of successive films with analogous themes could intensify societal divisions.
What Happens Next
With the Division Bench suspending the earlier order, the film is now free to release nationwide, unless further legal challenges arise.
The matter underscores the delicate balance courts must maintain between freedom of artistic expression and concerns about public harmony.
Legal observers note that the case once again brings into focus the role of the CBFC in scrutinizing content and the judiciary’s responsibility in addressing claims of potential communal sensitivity.
For now, the producers have secured judicial relief, but the broader debate surrounding cinematic portrayal of sensitive issues is likely to continue both inside and outside the courtroom.
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