The legal turmoil surrounding the film 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' has escalated after the Kerala High Court issued an urgent notice to producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah on June 18. A new petition challenges the film's certification and demands the removal of the word 'Kerala' from its title.
Court Questions Timing
Justice PV Kunhikrishnan, hearing the case, questioned the relevance of the petition at this stage, noting that the film has already been released and viewed by a large audience. However, the petitioner's counsel, Chelson Chembarathy, argued that the issue remains significant, especially due to the film's digital release. According to Live Law, the court deferred arguments on whether the petition should be dismissed, despite objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Background of the Film's Release
'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' hit theaters on February 27 after a higher court lifted an earlier interim stay. While initial challenges were dismissed, the High Court recently closed remaining appeals filed by both the Central Government and the producer, declaring them infructuous.
The Union Government and CBFC had previously approached the appellate court after a single-judge bench ruled that petitioners had the right to challenge the film's release. Although those appeals were rejected, the court deliberately left unanswered a larger legal question: whether private litigants can challenge a film's certification on grounds that it harms the reputation of a state.
Petitioner's Allegations
The new petition invokes Sections 196, 197, and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging that the film promotes hostility between religious and regional groups, threatens national integration, and deliberately insults religious beliefs, disturbing public harmony. The petitioner also requests that Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited be added as a party, citing the film's streaming release on May 1.
Additional evidence includes a complaint sent to Zee Entertainment's Content Grievance Redressal Officer and social media screenshots. The petition claims that online posts present the film's narrative as factual and are used to spread hate speech against Keralites and minority communities.
Producer's Defense
In a previous hearing, counsel representing Shah strongly defended the film, arguing that the petition 'must be condemned.' Despite this, the legal battle has entered a new phase with the High Court seeking a response from the producer. The court is expected to examine multiple aspects, including the film's title, CBFC certification, OTT release, and newly submitted digital evidence.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures, 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' follows three young women portrayed by Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha.
