Published Feb 24, 2026 | 3:22 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 24, 2026 | 3:35 PM
A poster of Kerala Story 2.
Synopsis: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas said the court would first ascertain whether the movie contains material capable of provoking communal tension, particularly since the film uses “Kerala” in its title and claims to be inspired by true events. Observing that people in the state live in harmony, the judge orally remarked that any portrayal suggesting otherwise could not be lightly brushed aside.
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, 24 February, indicated that it may personally view the film Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond before deciding on petitions challenging its CBFC certification.
The three petitions have sought a stay on the film’s release and cancellation of its certification over concerns that it may cause communal rife.
According to Bar and Bench, Senior Advocate S Sreekumar, representing the producers, agreed to remove the teasers that have been released thus far, until the Court passes its verdict.
He also said that a screening could be arranged so that Justice Kurian could watch the film before deciding the case. The judge said that he will watch the movie on Wednesday, 25 February. The film is scheduled to hit the screens on Friday, 27 February.
Justice Thomas records Senior counsel submission that the third respondent will remove the teasers of the “Kerala story 2” immediately and intimate the court as to possible date for screening the movie.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 24, 2026
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas said the court would first ascertain whether the movie contains material capable of provoking communal tension, particularly since the film uses “Kerala” in its title and claims to be inspired by true events. Observing that people in the state live in harmony, the judge orally remarked that any portrayal suggesting otherwise could not be lightly brushed aside.
The judge further said, “Kerala is so secular. It lives with total harmony but have you considered this when something is portrayed as happening all over the state? There is a wrong indication and can even incite passion and that is when the censor board (CBFC) comes in picture.”
Stating that presumptions could be dispelled upon viewing the film, the High Court signalled it will watch the movie before passing further orders.
While noting that courts generally refrain from interfering with artistic expression, the judge said the concerns raised by petitioners cannot be ignored if the film has the potential to incite communal discord.
“Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala. Normally, I do not interfere with any movie because it is a creation of an art but then you say it is inspired by true events and named it Kerala, which can create some communal tension”, Justice Thomas said.
The petitioners had earlier cited the Supreme Court’s recent observations in Atul Mishra v. Union of India concerning the proposed film Ghooskhor Pandit, where the title was altered after concerns that it denigrated a community.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
