'CBFC didn't apply mind': Kerala High Court stays Kerala Story 2 release

The court directed that the film must not be released until arguments in the case are completed.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, who sought cancellation of the U/A certification granted to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The petitioner alleged that the film maligns and stereotypes the people of Kerala and presents a misleading portrayal of the state.

During the hearing, the court criticised the CBFC for granting certification "without applying its mind" and directed the board to reconsider the petitioner’s concerns.

Earlier this week, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had orally observed that the portrayal in the film appeared misleading and did not reflect the ground reality in Kerala.

The judge noted that Kerala is known for communal harmony and cautioned that portraying such incidents as widespread across the state could create a false impression and potentially incite tensions. He also emphasised the responsibility of the censor board to carefully evaluate such sensitive content before granting certification.

While acknowledging the importance of artistic freedom, the court observed that claiming the film was inspired by true events and explicitly linking it to Kerala could lead to public misunderstanding and unrest.

The film has been written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier criticised reports about the sequel, alleging that it could fuel communal discord in the state.

The original film, The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, had sparked widespread controversy after its teaser claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala were converted to Islam and recruited by ISIS. The figure was later disputed by political leaders, activists and fact-checkers, prompting protests and legal challenges.

The filmmakers subsequently revised their claim, stating that the film was inspired by a limited number of real-life cases.