The Kerala High Court has directed the makers of the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond to arrange a special screening for the court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The order, issued by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, comes after multiple petitions challenged the film’s censor certificate, alleging that its promotional material—specifically the teaser and trailer—portrays the state in a “wrong and stigmatizing” light. While acknowledging that Kerala is a secular land where people live in “total harmony,” the judge remarked that the film’s title and its claim of being “inspired by true events” could incite communal passion and create a false impression of the state’s reality.
The legal scrutiny follows a massive public outcry and political backlash after the trailer was released on February 17. Petitioners argue that while the sequel purportedly follows the stories of women from various states, including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, it continues to use the “Kerala” brand to associate terrorism and forced conversions exclusively with the state. During the proceedings, the court noted that such “stereotypical projections” could have wider social consequences and affect the lives of Keralites. In response to the court’s initial observations, the film’s producers, Sunshine Pictures, agreed to withdraw the controversial teasers from all platforms until the final decision is reached.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had recently granted the film a U/A 16+ rating after mandating 16 cuts, which included significantly reducing visuals of sexual assault and physical violence. However, the High Court emphasized that the presumption of a valid certificate can be challenged if the content risks public order or national integrity. The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and starring Ulka Gupta and Aditi Bhatia, is currently scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on February 27. The court’s decision on whether to stay the release or demand further modifications will hinge on the private screening scheduled just 48 hours before the film hits cinemas.