📌 Key Points
- Court delivers blow to ‘Kerala Story 2’! Censor Board grilled!
- High Court flags ‘Kerala Story 2’ for inciting hatred!
- Petition: Film defames Kerala, ignites communal disharmony!
- Feb 28 release doubtful! Court demands producers’ explanation.
The controversial sequel, ‘The Kerala Story 2′, has hit a major roadblock even before its release. In a significant move, the High Court has issued serious notices to both the film’s producers and the Censor Board. This unexpected ‘court blow’ signals growing troubles for the much-talked-about film, echoing the original’s divisive reception. Let’s unpack the unfolding drama.
Court Blow to Kerala Story 2
Court Blow to Kerala Story 2! Notices to Censor Board!!
Troubles have begun for the sequel to the sensational ‘The Kerala Story’. The High Court has taken a serious view of the film, ‘The Kerala Story 2’, issuing notices to its producers and the Censor Board. Let’s delve into the details of this controversy.
Petition in High Court… What exactly happened?
‘The Kerala Story 2′, which comes as a sequel to the sensational film ‘The Kerala Story’, has also faced a wave of protests. The Kerala High Court on Thursday took up a petition challenging the certification granted to the film by the Censor Board. It issued notices to the film’s producers as well as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The petitioner alleges that the teaser and trailers contain elements inciting hatred, that the Censor Board did not follow Cinematography Act rules, and has filed a petition to impose a stay on the film, which is scheduled for release on February 28.
Hate Speech Allegations Trigger Legal Battle
Does the film incite hatred?
The bench headed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas conducted the hearing. The petitioner brought to the court’s attention that elements in the film’s teaser and trailers were designed to incite hatred in society. By showcasing religious conversions and terrorism-related issues occurring in various states, the petitioner argued that there was malicious intent behind solely using the name ‘Kerala’ in the title, and that this was damaging the state’s reputation. The slogan ‘Ab Sahenge Nahi… Ladenge’ (We won’t tolerate it anymore… we will fight) at the end of the trailer, it was alleged, could incite retaliatory actions and risked disturbing communal harmony. According to Section 5B of the Cinematography Act, films that disrupt law and order should not be granted certification. However, the petitioner stated that the board disregarded these rules.
Will a stay be imposed on the film’s release?
Notably, the controversy surrounding the first part, ‘The Kerala Story’, released in 2023, also reached the Supreme Court. At that time, the film’s team had agreed to issue a disclaimer stating that it was a fictional story and that the statistics presented lacked sufficient evidence. However, arguments are now being made that the Censor Board did not take adequate precautions regarding the sequel. The film is scheduled to be released on February 28. The petitioner requested a stay on the film before its release, and the court adjourned the next hearing to next Tuesday. It also ordered the producers to provide an explanation by then. The High Court’s hearing on ‘The Kerala Story 2’ film is ongoing. It remains to be seen whether the film will be released or not. Stay tuned for more updates.
Looking Ahead
The High Court’s notice seriously imperils ‘The Kerala Story 2’s’ February 28 release. With producers and Censor Board under scrutiny, this legal battle highlights the critical balance between cinematic freedom and responsible storytelling, particularly for our region’s sensitive narratives. Next Tuesday’s hearing is crucial.
