Kerala High Court Overturns Ban, Clears Path for 'The Kerala Story 2' Screenings
In a significant development, cinema halls across India, including in Lucknow, reopened screenings of the controversial film 'The Kerala Story 2' late Friday evening. This came after the Kerala High Court lifted the temporary ban on the film's release, paving the way for shows to resume nationwide starting from 9 pm.
Audiences Return as Bookings Resume
Following the court's decision, audiences were seen arriving at venues like the Novelty Cinema Hall in Lalbagh, Lucknow, as bookings swiftly resumed. Ticket sales also went live on major platforms such as BookMyShow across several cities, including the Delhi-NCR region, indicating a quick return to normalcy for the film's distribution.
Legal Proceedings and Court Order Details
The Kerala High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices SA Dharmadhikari and PV Balakrishnan, stayed an interim order issued earlier by Single Bench Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. That initial order had imposed a 15-day stay on the film's release, effectively halting its screening.
On February 26, the Kerala High Court had directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-watch and reconsider the clearance granted to 'The Kerala Story 2'. This directive followed claims that the film contains content that spreads hate and could threaten communal harmony.
While hearing a petition that raised concerns about certain scenes allegedly inciting hatred, the court also examined the CBFC's earlier decision to certify the film for screening. Observing the seriousness of the allegations, the bench ordered the Board to undertake a detailed re-examination of the controversial portions.
The CBFC has been instructed to submit a report clarifying whether the remarks in question amount to an insult against a specific community, ensuring a thorough review process.
About 'The Kerala Story 2' and Public Reaction
'The Kerala Story 2' is the sequel to the National Award-winning film 'The Kerala Story', which was released in 2023. The sequel follows the lives of three young women who fall into what the film describes as deceptive marriages and face alleged forced religious conversions, continuing the narrative from its predecessor.
Ever since the trailer for the sequel was released, the film has drawn strong reactions from various quarters. Several social media users have criticized it as "propaganda," while the filmmakers maintain that it is based on researched real-life incidents, highlighting a polarizing debate around its content.
Earlier, reports had claimed that the teaser of the film was removed after court intervention, but the makers denied these claims, adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding the film's release and reception.
