The sequel to the 2023 National Award-winning film 'The Kerala Story', titled 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', has sparked controversy since its trailer launch last week. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested 16 edits, including halving scenes of women being slapped, hit, or sexually assaulted, reducing lip-locking scenes by 50%, and modifying dialogues and certain violent visuals. The CBFC ultimately granted the film a U/A and 16+ certificate.

On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court directed the filmmakers to arrange a special screening in Kochi ahead of the scheduled Friday release. The petition before the court challenged the continuation of the film's censor certificate, alleging that it maligns and stereotypes Kerala and its people.

The sequel, running 131 minutes and 24 seconds, underwent close scrutiny. Other key edits include visuals of women being struck on the head, altered house demolition scenes, and the addition of a disclaimer stating that the story is based on true events. The filmmakers submitted the final script, supporting documents for true-event-based scenes (stored on a pendrive with the CEO), and consent letters for minor artistes featured in the film.

Petition against the Film

A petition was filed arguing that both the title and content of the film unfairly target Kerala, claiming it projects malicious stereotypes that scandalise an entire state.

The plea stated that while the story focuses on women from three different states and primarily occurs in northern India, the title and certain scenes portray Kerala negatively. The petitioner highlighted that Keralites contribute across India and abroad, offering employment to migrant workers, and said the film could alienate them from the rest of the country.

Kerala High Court response

Justice Bechu Kurian noted that “concerns of the people of Kerala about 'The Kerala Story 2' can’t be kept aside.” Following the ruling, the film’s makers withdrew the teaser.

The controversy intensified online after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the film, labelling it “false propaganda” and “poisonous.” Director Anurag Kashyap and actor Prakash Raj also took digs at the original director Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who responded strongly.

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Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and co-produced by Aashin A. Shah under Sunshine Pictures, 'The Kerala Story 2' revolves around alleged cases of “forced” religious conversion. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on Friday, February 27.