The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay on the release of the film 'The Kerala Story 2' for a period of 15 days. This judicial order was delivered just hours before the film's scheduled theatrical release. The court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to conduct a fresh and thorough examination of the film's content. According to the court's observations, the film prima facie appears to have the potential to disturb communal harmony and could be defamatory toward a specific community. This intervention has led to widespread uncertainty regarding the film's screening schedule.
Judicial Intervention and CBFC Review Mandate
During the proceedings, the Kerala High Court raised concerns regarding the certification process previously followed by the CBFC. The court emphasized that any content capable of inciting social discord shouldn't be permitted for public exhibition without rigorous scrutiny by high-level officials, while according to court records, the bench noted that certain scenes and dialogues might be problematic. The CBFC is now required to form a committee to re-evaluate the film and submit a detailed report, while in response, the producers have moved an urgent appeal against the stay, which the court has agreed to hear in the coming days.
Discrepancies in Ticket Bookings and Cinema Chains
Following the court's directive, a state of confusion has emerged across online ticketing platforms and cinema chains. Major national exhibitors such as PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis have reportedly removed the film's listings from their websites and aggregators like BookMyShow. However, several independent theaters and smaller chains continued to sell tickets well into Friday morning. Reports indicate that approximately 21 theaters in Mumbai and nearly 14 cinemas in Delhi were still processing bookings. This discrepancy between the legal order and ground-level operations has left many moviegoers uncertain about the actual status of the film's release.
Public Reaction and Social Media Discourse
The stay on the film's release coupled with the continued availability of tickets has sparked intense debate on social media platforms. Audiences have pointed out the conflicting statements issued by various cinema operators. While some chains like Damodar Cinemas issued advisories stating the film is on 'hold' due to legal reasons, others like M2K Cinemas reportedly posted updates suggesting the film had been released. Netizens have expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication, with many questioning how tickets could remain available despite a high court stay. Issues regarding ticket cancellations and refund procedures have also become a primary concern for affected viewers.
Production Details and Legal Recourse
Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, 'The Kerala Story 2' features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles. The production team has not yet released an official statement regarding the interim stay. Legal experts suggest that the future of the film's release now hinges entirely on the findings of the CBFC's re-examination and the subsequent judicial review. The film industry is closely monitoring the situation, as the delay could impact the movie's commercial trajectory. The next steps will be determined by the court's assessment of the board's new report.