A new public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the title and release of the recently released film. kerala story 2. The petition, submitted on March 3 by a retired social science teacher and a practicing lawyer, seeks removal of the word “Kerala” from the title of the film, arguing that it unfairly associates the state with sensitive and controversial subjects.
According to the petition, the petitioners argue that the title and subject matter of the film risks portraying Kerala negatively. They have alleged that the story allegedly portrays the state as a center of forced religious conversion, believing that this portrayal could harm its social and cultural image.
PIL targets The Kerala Story 2, demands removal of ‘Kerala’ from title amid communal concerns
The petition also cites the ongoing legal dispute involving the film producers. It reads that the producers have approached a division bench of the High Court challenging the recent interim order issued by the single bench, which had temporarily stayed the release of the film. The plea said that the stay was granted at a stage when the film was allegedly not yet uploaded or publicly displayed.
Beyond concerns over the state’s image, the petitioners have flagged the potential social impacts of the film’s content. He argues that as can be understood from the available material, this narrative may promote hostility against members of the Muslim community in Kerala. The petition suggested that such portrayal could disturb communal harmony and deepen existing sensitivities.
Apart from demanding a change in the title, the petitioners have also requested judicial intervention to ensure that if the film is released, there is a clear disclaimer stating that the story is completely fictional. He has urged the court to direct the Central government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to make such disclaimers mandatory so as to prevent audiences from interpreting the story factually.
The PIL also demands comprehensive regulatory reforms. Specifically, it seeks to direct the Center and the CBFC to frame comprehensive guidelines governing film titles and taglines. According to the petition, such norms should ensure that no cinematic work defames or defames any state, region, caste or religion through its branding or promotional material.
The matter is expected to come up for consideration before the High Court in the coming days, adding another chapter to the ongoing debate around creative freedom, censorship and the responsibility of filmmakers in handling sensitive socio-political subjects.
