The Kerala High Court Division Bench on Friday lifted the 15-day stay on the release of the film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, reversing an interim order by Single Bench Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. Justices SA Dharmadhikari and PV Balakrishnan stayed the earlier order, allowing the film to release.
The controversy arose after the Kerala HC directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-watch and reconsider its certification of the film, following petitions claiming certain scenes incite hatred and threaten communal harmony.
The court instructed the CBFC to examine whether remarks in the film insult any specific community and submit a detailed report.
The Kerala Story 2 is the sequel to the National Award-winning 2023 film The Kerala Story, which follows three young women trapped in deceptive marriages and allegedly subjected to forced religious conversions.
The trailer sparked strong reactions, with some social media users criticizing it as propaganda, though filmmakers maintain it is based on researched real-life incidents.
Reports that the teaser was removed after court intervention were denied by the makers.
The court’s decision to lift the stay clears the path for the film’s release while the CBFC continues its review of the contested content.
Sudipto Sen questions CBFC’s approach to films
Director Sudipto Sen, who helmed the controversial 2023 film The Kerala Story, has strongly defended his upcoming films, including the sequel The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond and Charak, criticizing the CBFC for its double standards. Speaking at the trailer launch of Charak, Sen pointed out that audiences readily consume films like Animal and Dhurandhar, yet socially and politically sensitive films are quickly labeled as propaganda.
He emphasized that many censor board practices are outdated, with the Cinematograph Act dating back to 1952, and called for full implementation of reforms suggested in the Shyam Benegal Committee report. Sen urged the public to understand the struggles filmmakers face under such constraints.
Charak, directed by Shieladitya Moulik, explores real-life stories involving blind faith and occult practices in India’s hinterlands.
he idea emerged from Moulik’s fascination with the Charak festival and its intense rituals, translating personal experiences into a cinematic story exploring devotion, fear, and belief.
The film stars Anjali Patil, Sahidur Rahaman, Subrat Dutta, Shashi Bhushan, Nalneesh Neel, Shankhadeep, and Shounak Shyamal.
Produced by Dhaval Gada and Sipping Tea Cinemas in association with Sudipto Sen Productions, and presented by Dr. Jayantilal Gada under PEN Studios, the film aims to shed light on faith, tradition, and human emotions in India’s hinterlands, while challenging censorship norms. (Agencies)
