Kerala High Court Issues Notice to Producers of 'The Kerala Story 2' Over Certification Dispute
The Kerala High Court has taken a significant step by issuing a formal notice to the producers of the upcoming Hindi feature film 'The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond'. This action comes in response to a petition that alleges the film has failed to comply with the statutory requirements outlined in the Cinematograph Act of 1952. The movie is scheduled for release on February 27, adding urgency to the legal proceedings.
Petition Alleges Non-Compliance and Potential Harm
A bench presided over by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the notice not only to Sunshine Pictures, the film's producers, but also to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The petition was filed by Sreedev Namboothiri, a resident of Kannur, and the court has adjourned the plea until Tuesday for further consideration.
In his petition, Namboothiri raised serious concerns about the film's content. He argued that based on the teaser and trailer, 'The Kerala Story 2' portrays narratives involving women from multiple states across India. However, it singularly brands the content under the title 'The Kerala Story', which he claims unfairly associates alleged incidents of terrorism, forced conversion, and demographic conspiracy exclusively with the state of Kerala.
The petitioner emphasized that such a portrayal could have damaging consequences, including:
- Stigmatizing an entire regional population
- Disturbing public order
- Incitement of communal and regional disharmony
Background of Controversy and CBFC Certification
The petition further highlighted that the first installment of the movie, 'The Kerala Story', had previously generated significant controversy. This was due to alleged false claims that were noted during proceedings before the Supreme Court of India. Despite this contentious background, the CBFC granted certification to the sequel.
Namboothiri alleged that the CBFC's certification was issued without adequate examination of the film's potential impact on public order, decency, and morality. This, he claims, violates the mandates under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which requires careful consideration of these factors before approval.
Additionally, the petitioner noted that he has already invoked the statutory remedy of revision regarding the certification, but this process is currently pending. In light of these concerns, he has sought specific relief from the court, including:
- Quashing the censor certificate issued to the movie
- Suspending its exhibition until the matter is resolved
This legal challenge underscores ongoing debates about film certification, regional representation, and the balance between artistic expression and social responsibility in Indian cinema. The outcome could set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
