The Kerala High Court recently raised concerns regarding the portrayal of Kerala in the upcoming film “The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond.” This observation comes during the ongoing examination of the film’s censorship clearance and its implications for communal harmony within the state.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted that the film’s creators appear unenthusiastic about the Court viewing the movie, emphasizing that their primary interest lies in determining the nature of the litigation, whether it is private or public. This comment reflects the Court’s intention to ensure that the film’s narrative aligns with the region’s communal identity.
During the morning proceedings, the High Court expressed a willingness to assess the film after recognizing the petitioners’ concerns about its representation of true events. The court noted that the film’s association with Kerala, despite its storyline lacking substantial ties to the state, warranted further scrutiny. This came in response to petitions seeking to delay the film’s release and revoke the censor certificate provided by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
As the hearing progressed, Senior Counsel S. Sreekumar, representing the film’s producers, argued that the Court should first clarify whether the petitions constitute public interest litigation or private litigation. This distinction is critical as it impacts the legal grounds for the court’s involvement in the film’s release.
The themes explored in “The Kerala Story 2” revolve around religious conversion and coercion, with a backdrop that spans multiple Indian states, including Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The film features a cast including Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha, and is set to debut in theaters on February 27.