Kerala HC steps in over ‘The Kerala Story 2’ trailer, questions CBFC’s certification process

The Kerala High Court has issued notices to the makers of The Kerala Story 2 and the Central Board of Film Certification after a petition sought cancellation of the film’s censor certificate. The plea alleges that the sequel’s trailer portrays Kerala in a negative, misleading and inaccurate manner.

The petition argues that the CBFC failed to properly examine whether the film could threaten public order, decency, morality or national integrity, as required under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act. It claims the film contains malicious and stereotypical projections that scandalise an entire state without factual basis. According to the petitioner, although the story shown in the trailer involves women from multiple states and is largely set in northern India, the title and visual narrative unfairly target Kerala. The plea further states that the film risks alienating Keralites from the rest of the country, despite their contributions across India and globally.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the High Court has directed the CBFC to file its response and has also asked the film’s producer, Sunshine Pictures, to submit a reply. The case will be heard on February 24. The controversy has intensified following the trailer’s release, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier warning that the sequel could fuel communal discord in the state.