📌 Key Points
- BAN LIFTED! Kerala Story 2 now cleared for release.
- Single Judge OVERRULED! High Court greenlights controversial film.
- CBFC Power UPHELD: Trailers alone cannot halt full films.
- State RESPONSIBLE: Government to handle law & order post-release.
In a significant legal turn, the High Court’s division bench has cleared the path for ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’. This pivotal decision revokes a single judge’s stay order, reigniting buzz around the much-anticipated film across our South Indian states. Cinephiles and observers will now eagerly await its release, ready to delve into the narrative after this major judicial green light.
High Court Clears ‘Kerala Story 2’ Release
The High Court‘s division bench has delivered a pivotal decision concerning the film ‘The Kerala Story 2’, now confirmed with the extended title ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’. This verdict revokes a single judge’s stay order that had previously halted the film’s release, thereby clearing the path for its future.
Initially, High Court single judge Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had issued interim orders on petitions filed to prevent the film’s release. Based on the film’s teaser and trailer, he concluded that it misrepresented Kerala and had the potential to incite religious tensions. Consequently, he imposed a 15-day stay on its release and ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-examine the objections.
The film’s producers immediately appealed these orders to the division bench, comprising Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan. Following an urgent hearing, the division bench delivered a crucial judgment, revoking the single judge’s stay and giving the green light for the film’s release.
Full Film Review, Not Teasers, Determines Fate
In its verdict, the division bench asserted that once the CBFC has viewed the entire film and issued a certificate, it must be presumed that the decision was made after a thorough review. The court also clarified that should any law and order issues arise from the film’s release, the state government would bear the responsibility. Furthermore, it opined that the overall impact of a film cannot be assessed solely based on its teaser and trailer, and that it is incorrect to claim CBFC guidelines were not followed without having viewed the entire film. For these reasons, the division bench stated that the single judge’s orders would not stand.
The petitioners had argued that by using the name ‘Kerala’, the film misrepresented the state and carried the risk of inciting religious hatred. However, the producers’ lawyers explained to the court that the film is based on a multi-state narrative and includes a clear disclaimer.
Ultimately, the division bench’s verdict has removed all impediments, enabling ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond‘ to reach audiences on its scheduled date.
Looking Ahead
With all impediments removed, ‘The Kerala Story 2’ now reaches audiences, a testament to artistic freedom. This landmark verdict shifts the narrative from legal battles to public discourse. Now, it’s for you, the discerning viewer, to engage with its story and decide its impact.
