Tensions in the film world escalated as Kerala High Court ordered a 15-day hold on ‘The Kerala Story 2’s release just a day before its planned debut on February 27. The Vipul Amritlal Shah venture, poised for nationwide screens, is now grounded by this interim injunction from Thursday’s proceedings.
Petitions before the court warned of the movie’s potential to stoke religious divides through its sensitive subject matter and presentation. Acknowledging the peril to societal peace, the bench imposed the restriction to facilitate thorough review.
No theater can air the film during this window, frustrating producers and canceling the buzz from ongoing pre-sales. Economic repercussions loom large, with ticketing platforms likely scrambling to manage refunds and adjust inventories.
The sequel’s troubles began with its January 30 teaser, spotlighting actresses Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha, and Aditi Bhatia as Hindu girls caught in deceptive romances leading to conversion schemes. Their hijab-clad confessions build to a battle cry: ‘We won’t bear it… we’ll fight back.’
Kerala’s top leadership, led by CM P. Vijayan, swiftly denounced it as dangerous propaganda. Via X, he endorsed boycotts, slamming the franchise for peddling lies that undermine India’s secular fabric. ‘Kerala knows the first film’s deceitful agenda and rejects this repeat assault on harmony,’ he stated.
Vijayan highlighted the double standards: freedom for riot-inciting tales but clamps on true artistic discourse. He mobilized citizens to counter attempts maligning the state as terror territory, vowing victory for righteousness.
Beyond immediate fallout, this case spotlights ongoing clashes between creative liberties and communal sensitivities. Film buffs and makers ponder the precedents as the 15-day countdown begins.