'The Kerala Story 2': Film makers get major relief as High Court lifts interim ban

New Delhi: A major relief has come to the makers of the film 'The Kerala Story 2'. A division bench of the Kerala High Court has completely lifted the interim stay on the film's release. After considering the gravity of the matter and hearing arguments from all parties, the division bench has now cleared the way for the film's theatrical release.

What is the issue?

Previously, a single-judge bench had imposed a 15-day stay, expressing concern over the film's content and its potential impact on communal harmony. The single-judge bench had issued its order on two petitions challenging the film's release, arguing that the film portrays Kerala in a negative light and could fuel communal tension.

What did Kerala High Court do?

Justice Thomas had, at 3 pm on Thursday, February 26, stayed the film's release for 15 days and asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to investigate the representations against the film. The division bench convened an urgent special sitting at 7:30 p.m. that same day to hear the appeal filed by the film's producers. After a detailed hearing lasting over two hours, the bench reserved its decision on the matter.

Today, February 27, the division bench of Justices S.A. Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan stayed Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas' interim order, which had banned the film's release for 15 days.

When will the film be released?

This order from the Kerala High Court came on the same day the film was scheduled to be released. While ticket refunds were being issued until the morning, leaving theater owners in a quandary, the situation had completely changed by the afternoon. It was also reported that audiences who had pre-booked the film were refunded on Friday. However, the division bench's decision now clears the way for the film's release.

Why was the film's release halted?

Earlier on Thursday, Justice Thomas took a strict stance, banning the film. The court believed that the Censor Board (CBFC) had not properly followed legal nuances when granting the film a certificate. The judge remarked that prima facie, the film appears to contain material that could disturb communal harmony and defame a particular community. The court also expressed concern about the teaser, stating that its release without proper scrutiny by high-ranking officials would be illegal.