Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday set aside the interim order that had temporarily halted the release of the film Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond, allowing the movie to proceed toward theatrical screening.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan issued the directive while hearing an appeal filed by producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah late Thursday night. The appeal was submitted just hours after the single-judge order had halted the movie’s release.

In its ruling, the Division Bench observed that the single judge’s conclusion regarding the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was based only on limited material.

The Bench noted that the finding that the guidelines for certification had not been followed was “merely on the basis of a few clippings and without viewing the movie” and therefore, it “cannot be countenanced”.

“That apart, the fact that insertions, excisions and modifications, have been carried out by the appellant (Shah) in the movie as per the directions of the CBFC would only further reinforce the fact that there is an application of mind from the part of Board while granting the certificate,” the bench said.

The Division Bench emphasised that once a certificate has been issued by the CBFC, there exists a prima facie presumption that all statutory guidelines, including those relating to public order, have been considered.

The court remarked, “... if, due to the release of the movie, any issue of public order arises, it is the duty of the state to maintain it.”

It further observed that such presumption includes that the film has been evaluated in its entirety, considering its overall impact and in accordance with the principles laid down in the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and relevant certification guidelines.

“In such circumstances, merely on the basis of a few clippings and without viewing the movie, the finding of the single judge that the guidelines for certification have not been borne in mind by the CBFC while granting certification, cannot be countenanced.”

Concluding its order, the court held, “In the light of the afore discussions, we are of the view that the impugned order dated February 26, 2026 interdicting the release of the movie is only to be stayed and we do so. Ordered accordingly,” the bench said.

Producer’s stand

In his appeal, Shah had contended that the film does not harm or denigrate the state of Kerala or any religious community.

“The film only portrays a social evil,” his lawyers had told the court.

He also argued that further delay in release would cause severe financial damage, stating that the film was scheduled for screening in 1,500 theatres across India and over 300 overseas on February 27. According to him, postponement would “financially finish” the producers.