The legal tussle surrounding ‘Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ intensified after the Kerala High Court issued an emergency notice to the producers. Vipul Amritlal Shah June 18. A new petition has challenged the film’s certification and sought removal of the word ‘Kerala’ from its title.Hearing the matter, Justice PV Kunhikrishnan questioned the relevance of the case at this stage, noting that the film had already been released and seen by a large number of people. However, the petitioner’s counsel Chelson Chamberthi argued that the issue remains significant, especially due to the film’s digital release. As reported by Live Law, despite objections raised by the court, it has chosen to postpone arguments on whether the petition should be dismissed. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).‘Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ hit theaters on February 27 after a high court lifted the earlier interim stay on its release. Although the initial challenges against the film were ultimately dismissed, the High Court last week formally closed the remaining appeals filed by both the central government and the producers by declaring them null and void.The central government and CBFC had earlier approached the appellate court when a single-judge bench said the petitioners had the right to challenge the film’s release through legal proceedings. Although those appeals were rejected, the court deliberately did not answer a larger legal question—whether private litigants could challenge a film’s certification on the grounds that it harmed a state’s reputation.In the earlier hearing, counsel representing producer Vipul Amritlal Shah strongly defended the film and argued that the plea “should be condemned.” Despite that position, the latest plea invokes Sections 196, 197 and 299 of the Indian Code of Justice, alleging that the film promotes enmity between religious and regional groups, threatens national unity and deliberately insults religious beliefs in a manner that disturbs public harmony.After the streaming release of the film on May 1, the petitioner has also requested to add Zee Entertainment Entertainment Limited as a party to the suit. The petition includes additional material, such as a complaint sent to G Entertainment’s Content Grievance Redressal Officer and several social media screenshots. According to the petition, these online posts present the film’s narrative as factual and are being used to spread hatred against Keralites and minority communities.The legal battle has now entered a new phase with the High Court seeking a response from the producer. The court is expected to examine multiple aspects of the controversy, including the film’s title, CBFC certification, OTT release and newly submitted digital evidence.Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amritlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures, ‘Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ follows the journey of three young women portrayed by Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha.
