Why ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Is Back In The Spotlight After Kerala High Court Notice
‘The Kerala Story 2’ controversy deepens as the Kerala High Court issues notices to the makers and the CBFC, while Shashi Tharoor criticises the film. Full details inside.
The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to the makers of the upcoming film ‘The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond’, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Union Government. The development comes after a Kannur native filed a petition seeking the quashing of the film’s censor certificate. The petitioner also asked for directions on modifications to the film, including reconsideration of the title.
ALSO READ | The Kerala Story 2: Release Date, Story, Cast; All You Need To Know About Film
According to news agency PTI, the petitioner named Sreedev Namboodiri has arrayed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the CBFC, and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah as respondents in the writ petition filed on Wednesday, February 18.
A bench headed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued notices to all respondents and listed the matter for further hearing on February 24. The petitioner, in his complaint, stated that a major grievance has arisen from the teaser and trailer of the film, which depict narratives involving multiple women across the country. Citing this development, the petitioner said that the contest cannot be branded as 'The Kerala Story'.
ALSO READ | Naseeruddin Shah Says Success Of Movies Like 'Gadar 2', 'The Kerala Story' Is "Disturbing"
The complaint states that the state cannot be associated with the alleged incidents of terrorism, forced conversion and demographic conspiracy since women from multiple parts of the country are being talked about in the trailer.
The petitioner also submitted that the original film in 2023 had generated serious false claims, which were also noted during the proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had also called out the makers of 'The Kerala Story 2' for allegedly promoting hate speech and trying to do "hate-mongering”.
"The first film, Kerala Story, was a hate-mongering film. It lacked any foundation. They were saying that thousands of people were converted, which is not true. I think there were around 30 such cases over a number of years. Ours is a very big country. If a case occurs here and there, it doesn't mean you should turn it into a big story and use it as propaganda," Tharoor told reporters, according to India Today.
'The Kerala Story 2' is currently slated to release in cinemas on February 27. The trailer was recently released and it explored the theme of religious conversion, with stories set in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
"They targeted our daughters. They broke their trust. They stole their futures. This time, we do not stay silent. The story goes beyond. Is bar sahenge nahi... ladenge," the makers said as a description for the film.
Days after the trailer launch, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised the project, urging that The Kerala Story 2's release be viewed with "utmost gravity".
"It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged. We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror. The truth shall always prevail," he said in a post on X.
