‘Remove Kerala from title’: HC issues notice to ‘The Kerala Story 2’ producer over new plea

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a formal notice to Bollywood producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah on a fresh petition challenging the censor certification of his controversial movie, ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’, and demanding the removal of the word "Kerala" from its title. The plea alleges that the film defames the state. The petition was heard by a single bench of Justice P V Kunhikrishnan.

During the arguments, Justice Kunhikrishnan questioned the current relevance of the plea, noting that the movie had already completed its theatrical run and been watched by a large audience. However, appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Chelson Chembarathy argued that the legal battle remains highly crucial as the film's digital and OTT release is impending.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) urged the court to dismiss the petition.

‘The Kerala Story 2 was released in theatres on February 27, 2026. The film's release was made possible after the makers successfully challenged an initial ban by a High Court single bench through an appeal before a division bench. The petitioners moved the court against the sequel, contending that it deliberately insults religious beliefs to disrupt public peace, incites animosity between different regional and religious communities and undermines national integration.