Just days before it is slated to hit theatres, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has landed in legal crossfire, with the Kerala High Court stepping in to seek answers from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the film’s producers.
The court, hearing a petition that challenges the sequel’s certification and release, has issued notice to both the CBFC and Sunshine Pictures, the banner backing the film. The matter is expected to come up again on February 24, as the film gears up for its announced theatrical release on February 27, 2026.
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A bench led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued notice after a plea was filed by Kannur resident Sreedev Namboodiri, who has sought cancellation of the certification granted to The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond and a stay on its release.
The petition argues that the sequel’s promotional material paints Kerala in an unfair light and could potentially trigger communal and regional disharmony. It also challenges whether the CBFC applied the safeguards under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which deals with public order, decency, morality and content that may incite an offence.
The petitioner’s objections focus sharply on the teaser and trailer, including the closing line, “ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” (we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight), claiming it can be seen as a call to action with the potential to provoke violence.
Another key argument raised is about the film’s branding. While the teaser and trailer purportedly show women from multiple states, the petitioner contends that continuing to call the narrative The Kerala Story unfairly associates terrorism and forced conversions specifically with Kerala. The plea also references constitutional concerns, citing Articles 14 and 21, along with the reasonable restrictions around free speech under Article 19(2).
As relief, the petitioner has sought the quashing of the film’s certification, suspension of its release while a revision petition is considered, or directions for modifications. These suggested modifications include reconsideration of the title and the inclusion of stronger disclaimers to avoid what the plea describes as regional vilification.
About The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Sunshine Pictures. The film is positioned as a sequel to The Kerala Story (2023), which sparked nationwide debate for its subject matter and messaging.
The new instalment, as indicated by its promotional material and the arguments raised in court, expands beyond Kerala and revolves around women allegedly being lured into relationships and coerced into conversion, with the makers stating it draws from real cases. The CBFC has cleared the film with a U/A certificate, and the release is currently scheduled for February 27, 2026.
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