The Kerala HC issues notice to producers of ‘The Kerala Story 2‘, observing that the matter goes beyond the initial scope of the complaint. The petition has also named producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah as one of the respondents, and this has made the case one of the most closely watched legal developments ahead of the film’s release.
What Triggered the Court’s Intervention?
The writ petition was filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, who is a resident of Kannur district, and in his plea claimed that the certification that is granted to ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond‘ was allegedly issued without proper compliance with statutory safeguards.
Moreover, the petitioner had argued that the teaser and trailer of the film project incidents involving women from multiple Indian states but brand the narrative under the title “The Kerala Story”.
Bench and Next Date of Hearing
A bench headed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas has considered the petition and has issued notices to all the respondents. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on February 24.
A bench headed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas has considered the petition and has issued notices to all the respondents. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on February 24.
On the other hand, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on February 27, that makes the timing of the legal proceedings especially critical for the makers. Recent developments have shown how such hurdles can impact release plans, as Thalapathy Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan faces censor delay, leading to the film’s release delay.
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Why the petitioner is challenging the CBFC clearance
In his plea, the petitioner has alleged that the CBFC has cleared the film without adequately assessing the potential social impact. Moreover, the petition has stated that certain closing statements in the teaser and trailer could be perceived as a call for retaliatory action. This could create a real and imminent risk of law and order disturbances.
The petitioner has also pointed out the first part of the franchise. He mentioned The Kerala Story, which had previously sparked intense controversy over alleged factual claims. Those issues were even raised during proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.
Demand for title change, disclaimers and suspension of release
One of the major concerns that has been raised before the court is that the title “The Kerala Story 2” tends to link the entire state and its people with the serious allegations that are reflected in the story of the film. The petitioner has argued that this has the potential to stigmatize a regional community, affect public order, and cause communal or regional disharmony.
The relief sought by the petition is that:
- The certificate granted by the CBFC to the film be quashed.
- A fresh reconsideration of the certificate granted to the film be made.
- The title of the film be reconsidered
- Appropriate disclaimers be ordered to be inserted
- The release of the film be stayed pending the final decision in the case
What this case may mean to the release of the film
Notices have also been issued to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which brings the central government into the case.
Although there is no stay as yet, the decision of the court in the upcoming hearing may have a major impact on the release plan of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond.
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