controversy all around The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond This intensified after reports surfaced on 24 February that the film’s teaser had been removed amid a legal investigation. However, the makers have rejected these claims outright.
Kerala Story 2 teaser row: Makers deny removal rumors as Kerala High Court questions CBFC certification
In an official statement, Sunshine Pictures clarified that the news circulating about the removal of the teaser is false, “Sunshine Pictures would like to unequivocally clarify that the news currently circulating about the removal of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond teaser are completely false, baseless and misleading. The matter is currently sub-judice. No judgment or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content. Both the teaser and the trailer will remain available on all our official platforms. We urge media houses, digital platforms and individuals to refrain from spreading unverified information and speculative reports.
This clarification comes after the Kerala High Court raised serious questions over the certification given to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, hearing three petitions seeking a stay on the film’s release and cancellation of its certification, said the CBFC bears important responsibility, especially when a film portrays a secular state like Kerala through a communal lens, which the petitioners described as a communal lens.
During the hearing, the court remarked on the secular fabric and communal harmony of Kerala and questioned whether due consideration had been given to how the state was represented in the film. The judge said that portraying the incidents taking place across the state could give “wrong signals” and potentially inflame passions, which is where the role of the censor board becomes important.
The Court further said that since the film is said to be inspired by true events, the concerns raised by the petitioners prima facie appear to have some justification. Justice Thomas also pointed out that the inclusion of the name ‘Kerala’ in the title increases public apprehension, especially if the narrative could create communal tension.
Senior advocate S. representing the manufacturers. Sreekumar agreed to remove the existing teaser during the hearing until the court announced its verdict and offered to arrange a special screening for the judge. Now it is expected that the court will watch the film before further hearing.
The sequel is controversial story of keralaIn which women from Kerala were allegedly shown recruiting into ISIS. The petitioners in the present case have argued that the promotional material of the sequel – which includes the tagline “Ab Sahenge Nahi… Ladenge” – could incite confrontation and disturb public order. Several petitions have challenged the CBFC’s certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, alleging misrepresentation, regional defamation and possible communal disharmony.
The case will now proceed after the scheduled screening, with the court examining the film before deciding on the pending petitions.
