In a major development, the Kerala High Court on February 27, 2026 ordered an indefinite stay on the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond. The decision came just a day before its scheduled theatrical release. The ruling has created fresh debate around the film.
The sequel follows the controversial 2023 film The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Shah. The earlier film faced backlash for allegedly spreading false propaganda about religious conversions in Kerala.
Multiple petitions were filed before the High Court challenging the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification. Petitioners argued that the film could disturb communal harmony and misrepresent the state.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed a prima facie non application of mind by the CBFC while granting a UA certificate. The court noted that the concerns raised by petitioners appeared genuine. It also said the film could distort public perception and affect Kerala’s image.
The court directed the CBFC to reconsider its objections within two weeks. The stay on release will remain in force until further orders. This effectively postpones the film’s theatrical debut for now.
One of the petitions was filed by Kannur resident Sreedev Namboodiri along with activists and local residents. They cited provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and claimed the film could incite communal disharmony. They also alleged that it promotes a misleading narrative about Malayalis.
Before the ruling, Pinarayi Vijayan had criticised the film as false propaganda and a threat to secular values. He accused the makers of giving a communal angle to consensual marriages.
The sequel is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Shah. As of now, neither the director nor the production team has issued an official statement on the postponement.
