Bad News for Makers as Kerala HC Issues Notices on Plea to Halt The Kerala Story 2 Release

A 26-year-old biologist from Kerala has filed a complaint against the upcoming movie The Kerala Story 2 with the Kerala High Court. Sreedev Namboodiri, who identifies as a Malayali Brahmin, has criticised the sequel's title and content, claiming that it unfairly singles out Kerala and its people.

The Kerala Story 2, starring Kamakhya Narain Singh and Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is facing legal issues after a notice was filed in the Kerala High Court to halt its release and revoke its censorship certificate. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has received a notification from the HC regarding the plea, which was submitted by a Kannur local. According to his appeal, the Board did not adequately evaluate whether the film's content could endanger morals, public order, decency, or national integrity, as required by Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act.

The Kerala Story 2 Release Banned?

Row Over Film 'The Kerala Story 2'

They suddenly forget everything about freedom of speech and expression & say that they will ban it. This is nothing new: @SidharthYadavIN

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If they were really sensitive about the… pic.twitter.com/8VDl3IrNBx

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Malayalis, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed disapproval of the recently released teaser for The Kerala Story 2. Sridev Namboothiri, a native of Chittariparamba, Kannur, submitted the petition, according to ANI. Sunshine Pictures, the producers, has also been ordered to reply to the notice that the HC sent to the CBFC. The movie is set to be released on February 27, and the case's next hearing is set for February 24.

The plea reads, "A perusal of the trailer of the movie shows that the story is based on women from three different states and takes place mainly in the northern part of India. Yet, the title and scenes try to portray the state in a bad light. 5. The movie tends to alienate Kerala and Keralites from the rest of India, although Keralites work across India and the world, contributing to the Indian economy and providing residence and employment to several migrant workers from other parts of India."

Additionally, the petition objects to specific themes and dialogues in the promotional materials. The teaser and trailer, according to the petition, show women from different states but level the story as "The Kerala Story," linking terrorism and coerced dialogue with the southern state. The petition asks that the film's certification be revoked and that its release be postponed until the story and title are changed, including by adding disclaimers.

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