Feb 24, 2026 4:53pm IST
‘The Kerala Story 2’ Cleared With 16 Cuts, Kerala HC Seeks Special Screening To Review Pleas Questioning The U/A Certificate
“The Kerala Story” sequel “The Kerala Story 2” has been in the news for a while, and the film has now cleared the censor process — albeit with multiple changes. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has advised the makers to implement 16 cuts. Additionally, the Kerala High Court has asked the team to arrange a screening of the film despite it receiving a U/A certificate from the board.
According to a News18 report, “The Kerala Story 2”, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has been granted a U/A 16+ certificate by the CBFC, but not without revisions. The board directed the makers to implement several cuts and modifications even as legal petitions seeking a ban on the film are being heard in court.
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The film underwent significant revision, most notably a reduction in scenes depicting intimacy and sexual violence. Visuals involving kissing and rape were trimmed by nearly half. One specific lip-lock sequence was shortened by seven seconds, while rape scenes were reduced by 20 seconds. Two additional scenes one showing a woman being slapped and another depicting a woman’s head being struck were shortened by two seconds each.
The CBFC also asked the makers to modify a scene involving the demolition of a house with a bulldozer. In addition, three dialogues were altered and one word was muted to secure certification. The makers were instructed to display the disclaimer “‘The Kerala Story 2’ Is Based on True Events” for an additional two minutes and three seconds, accompanied by a voice-over. They were also asked to submit all dialogues and supporting documents to substantiate the film’s claims. A consent letter regarding the casting of a minor was submitted to the board as well.
According to the certificate issued on February 16, 2026, “The Kerala Story 2’s" final runtime stands at 131 minutes and 24 seconds (2 hours, 11 minutes, and 24 seconds). Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has directed the makers to arrange a special screening following the announcement of the U/A certificate and the filing of petitions challenging it. As reported by Live Law, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed during the hearing that the state largely lives in harmony, whereas the film appears to present a different picture. He remarked:
“Kerala lives in total harmony. But you have portrayed that this is happening all over Kerala. There is a wrong indication and can also incite passion. That is where the censor board comes into play. Have you considered that? Normally, I do not interfere with any movie — artistic freedom. But you are saying that it is inspired by true events and the name Kerala is given, which can create some communal tension. I will watch the movie tomorrow. You can arrange a screening of the movie tomorrow.”
The court will hear the matter again on February 25, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, “The Kerala Story 2” stars Aditi Bhatia, Ulka Gupta, and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles.
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