Kerala HC halts 'The Kerala Story 2', makers refrained from releasing the film's rights till the court's orders, questions CBFC for the UA certification
Times of India
by TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESKFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Kerala High Court has halted the release of *The Kerala Story 2*, a controversial film that has sparked widespread debate over its content and certification. The court ordered the filmmakers to refrain from releasing the movie's rights until it concludes its review of petitions challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)'s decision to grant a U/A certificate instead of an 'A' rating. During the proceedings, the bench raised concerns about the film's classification, questioning why the CBFC did not impose stricter restrictions despite the movie's sensitive and potentially provocative subject matter.
The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, alleges that young Hindu women are lured into interfaith marriages, subjected to abuse, and forced to convert to Islam. These allegations have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including state officials who argue that the film undermines the dignity of Kerala and India as a whole. The CBFC defended its certification by citing examples like *Go Goa Gone* and *Delhi Belly*, which also used Indian states and cities in their titles without facing similar objections.
The filmmakers, however, maintain that the film's focus is on women's experiences and survival stories, and that the petitions against the movie are not grounded in its actual content. They argue that the legal challenges are misdirected and lack a strong legal basis. The court has adjourned further hearings to allow both sides to present their arguments fully.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026