The Kerala Story 2 release put on hold by Kerala High Court: Movie hits legal roadblock as CBFC clearance gets questioned

The release of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond has been put on hold after the Kerala High Court granted an interim stay just a day before the film was scheduled to hit cinemas on February 27. The order came after petitions were filed challenging the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

According to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), the court observed that there appeared to be a prima facie non-application of mind by the censor board while clearing the film. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed that the movie should not be released as planned and questioned whether the guidelines meant to ensure social harmony had been properly followed.

During the hearing, the judge reportedly remarked that the makers did not seem keen on the court watching the film and wanted the issue to be decided on whether the petition was private or public litigation.

What the Court Said

The petitions argued that the film misrepresents Kerala and could lead to communal tension. The court noted that the guidelines to ensure a film does not disrupt social harmony appear not to have been adhered to by the CBFC. The interim stay now means the film cannot be screened until further orders.

The development comes despite the film having received a U/A certificate from the CBFC last week.

About the Film and Its Controversy

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures, The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha. The film explores themes of alleged religious conversion and coercion across Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

The trailer opens with a warning that India could be transformed into an Islamic state governed by Sharia law within the next 25 years. It then moves across different states. In Rajasthan, a family approaches the police station to file a POCSO complaint, claiming their minor daughter was coerced into religious conversion. In Madhya Pradesh, a young Hindu woman is shown being deceived into marriage and later allegedly forced to change her faith. The story returns to Kerala, where a Hindu woman in a relationship refuses to convert and faces pressure and confinement.

Sharing the trailer, the makers wrote, “They targeted our daughters. They broke their trust. They stole their futures. This time, we do not stay silent. The story goes beyond. Is baar sahenge nahi... ladenge. #TheKeralaStory2GoesBeyond trailer out now. In cinemas on 27th February, 2026.”

While some viewers described the trailer as “hard-hitting” and “absolutely real,” others criticised it as propaganda. With the High Court’s stay now in place, the film’s immediate theatrical future remains uncertain.