Kerala High Court Halts ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Release, Questions CBFC Certification Over Alleged Guideline Violations

“The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond,” produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, has hit a major legal hurdle with the Kerala High Court issuing an interim stay on its release just a day before it was due to hit theatres. The court’s order came after multiple petitions were filed challenging the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

In its ruling, the High Court, led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, said that on a prima facie view it appears that the CBFC did not properly apply its mind to the film’s certification and that the board failed to adhere to guidelines designed to ensure that cinema does not disturb social or communal harmony. The judge noted that the teaser footage, which is conceded to be part of the film, could “distort public perception” and has the potential to disrupt communal harmony, especially given the use of “Kerala” in the title despite the narrative not being directly about the state.

The petitioners argued that promotional material and elements of the movie risk tarnishing the image of Kerala and could trigger public unrest. They also contended that misleading marketing and controversial themes, shown before the full film release, warrant caution.

The court has directed the CBFC to re-evaluate the petitions and review the certification process, effectively postponing the film’s public debut until further orders are issued.

Shah and the filmmakers have opposed the stay, arguing that the CBFC — having reviewed the movie and granted a U/A certificate after expert scrutiny — is the appropriate authority to judge suitability, and that delaying release could lead to financial losses.

Image Source- Google