Feb 26, 2026 4:48pm IST
Kerala High Court Stays Release of ‘The Kerala Story 2’, Flags Communal Harmony Concerns
In a fresh development, the Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the release of “The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond”. The film, which was scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026, will no longer release on the planned date. The move comes after the court heard multiple pleas seeking a review of the film’s U/A 16+ certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, “The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond” has been in the headlines throughout the week. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the film stars Aditi Bhatia, Ulka Gupta and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles.
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Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, in his order after hearing the pleas against the film, observed — as reported by Live Law that “the very content in the teaser itself, which is conceded to be part of the movie, has the prima facie potential to distort public perception and disturb communal harmony.”
The judge also noted that the CBFC may have overlooked the guidelines required for certification and directed the board to re-examine the issue. “Dissemination of content which has a tendency to create discord, disturb law and order, or undermine social harmony cannot come within the ambit of freedom of speech and expression enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India,” the court added.
During the February 24 hearing, the High Court had asked the makers to screen "The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond” for the court prior to release. However, the producer was not inclined to do so, and his counsel submitted that the matter could be argued on merits. The court had then orally remarked, “Kerala lives in total harmony. But you have portrayed that this is happening all over Kerala. There is a wrong indication and it can also incite passion.”
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