A petition has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking cancellation of the certification granted to the film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. The petitioner has also sought a stay on its release.
The matter, titled Sreedev Namboodiri v. Union of India & Ors., came up before Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. The Court issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the producer, Sunshine Pictures. It directed them to file responses. The case will be heard next on February 24 (Tuesday).
Grounds Raised in the Petition
The petition has been filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a native of Kannur. He alleges that the film portrays Kerala in an unfair manner and may incite communal and regional disharmony. According to him, the film could create law and order problems.
The Kerala Story 2 is the sequel to the Hindi film The Kerala Story. The earlier film depicted women from Kerala who were allegedly recruited into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Namboodiri challenges the certification granted to the sequel. He contends that the CBFC failed to properly assess the film’s impact on public order, decency, and morality as required under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Objection to Promotional Material
The petition refers to the teaser and trailer of the film. According to the plea, the teaser ends with the message “ab sahenge nahin… ladenge,” translated as “we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight.”
The petitioner states that this slogan amounts to a call for action and may provoke violence. He further points out that the trailer, released on February 17, 2026, contains material that could inflame public sentiment.
The petition also alleges that certain dialogues and themes in the promotional content have the potential to incite communal tensions.
Alleged Regional Targeting
According to the plea, the teaser and trailer show women from multiple States. However, the film is titled The Kerala Story. The petitioner argues that this creates an exclusive association between terrorism, forced conversion, and the State of Kerala.
He contends that this results in a misleading regional narrative and harms the dignity and reputation of Keralites. The petition states that such portrayal may infringe rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. It also refers to the framework of reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(1)(a).
Reliefs Sought
The petitioner seeks quashing of the film certification. He also requests suspension of the film’s release pending consideration of his revision petition.
Alternatively, he seeks directions for modifications to the film. These include reconsideration of the title and insertion of adequate disclaimers to prevent regional vilification.
Advocates Maitreyi Sachchidananda Hegde, Rizla K.M., and Deepika K. Sasi have moved the petition.
