Kerala High Court Slams ‘Kerala Story 2’ Makers Over Delay in Screening Film for Judicial Review

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has expressed frustration over the slow response of the makers of the film ‘Kerala Story 2’, which has been accused of portraying Kerala and the Muslim community in a negative light. The remarks were made by a bench headed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas while hearing petitions challenging the approval of the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Justice Thomas observed that the filmmakers appear reluctant to allow the court to view the film. “You do not want the court to watch the film. You want to first decide whether this petition is a private matter or in the public interest,” the judge remarked.

The petitions allege that the film misrepresents Kerala and could incite communal tensions. The petitioners have requested that the release of the film be halted and the CBFC certification cancelled. Notices were issued to the central government, the Censor Board, and the film’s producers for a response.

During the hearing on Tuesday morning, the court noted that the concerns of the petitioners appeared prima facie justified. The film, which claims to be “inspired by true events,” uses the state’s name in the title, despite the plot having no factual connection with Kerala. The court had asked the CBFC and the producers to indicate when the film could be screened for judicial review, and the producers initially agreed.

However, after lunch, senior counsel S. Sreekumar, representing the producers, changed the stance, arguing that the court should first determine whether the petitions were filed in the public interest or for private reasons. This reversal, following an earlier commitment to screen the film, drew sharp criticism from the bench.

The case continues as the court considers the balance between creative freedom, public interest, and communal harmony.