On 24th February (Tuesday), the makers of “The Kerala Story 2” were directed by the Kerala High Court to set up its screening for the court in Kochi prior to its Friday release. The movie is a follow-up to the 2023 blockbuster “The Kerala Story,” which also won a National Award. The film series is based on the forceful conversion of Hindu women to Islam, leading to controversy.
The filmmakers have repeatedly asserted that their cinematic project is based on “true incidents and stories.” Moreover, they have refuted media reports that they have taken down the trailer of the movie, asserting that no order has been passed by the court to remove any content regardig the movie.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was hearing a petition opposing the movie and expressed that while courts are reluctant to interfere with artistic expression, the reservations of people “cannot be ignored” because the title bears the state’s name.
“Normally, I do not interfere with any movie. Artistic freedom. But you are saying that it is inspired by true events and the name Kerala is given, which can create some communal tension. I will watch the movie tomorrow. You can arrange a screening of the movie tomorrow,” he pronounced.
The producers are required to notify the court of the screening’s schedule and location. The issue will be addressed once more at 2 pm on Tuesday. “Kerala lives in total harmony. But you have portrayed that this is happening all over Kerala. There is a wrong indication and it can also incite passion. That is where the censor board comes into play. Have you considered that,” the court asked.
It asserted that “Kerala is a land of secularism” where “everyone lives in harmony” and reaffirmed that concerns raised by some segments of society must be taken into account, particularly when a movie purports to be based on actual events. The court also cited a previous case in which concerns led to the removal of several scenes from the movie Haal (2025), suggesting that the same standards would be applicable in this matter.
The solicitors of producers insisted that the movie has no scenes that disparage any religion or sect. They contended that no specific group is the primary subject of the movie. The petitioners argued, however, that the movie portrays a group of young women as “victims of love jihad” and that none of the victims depicted in the story are from Kerala. However, they complained that the movie, which is named The Kerala Story 2, presents Kerala society negatively.
Sreedev Namboodiri, a 26-year-old from Chittariparamba in Kannur district, filed a complaint against The Kerala Story 2 in the high court, accusing it of unfairly singling out the state and its citizens.
