The Kerala Story 2 Row:The Kerala High Court issued a notice to the film producers which resulted in increased public debate about the upcoming Hindi movie The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond. The teaser concludes with the Hindi slogan “Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” (“We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight”). The legal development which occurs three days before the movie’s scheduled theatrical debut reveals another aspect of the ongoing conflict regarding the sequel to the 2023 hit.
High Court Issues Notice on Certification Challenge
A single-judge bench led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the notice while hearing a writ petition that challenges the certification granted to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The petitioner has sought directions to suspend the film’s release and reconsider its certification, arguing that the content could cause communal and regional disharmony.
He has received instruction on information that exists until the month of October in the year 2023. The court documents show that the plea objects to the teaser and trailer because they show women from different states who are tricked into relationships and forced to change their faith but mainly tell a story about Kerala.
Case Title: Sreedev Namboodiri v Union of India and Ors. Case No: WP(C) 6574/ 2026 Counsel for Petitioner: Maitreyi Sachidananda Hegde, Rizla K M, Deepika K Sasi
The Kerala Story 2 Row: Petition Seeks Stay on Release
The petition, filed by a Kerala resident, argues that Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution protects freedom of expression but the government can impose reasonable restrictions that serve public safety needs. The plea states that the film’s title and marketing materials will create regional identity bias which will cause public security problems unless the film is shown with necessary changes and disclaimers.
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“The petitioner apprehends that the upcoming movie will also create a law and order situation, as the teaser, in the end, gives a message ‘ab sahenge nahin… ladenge’ which translates to ‘we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight’. This is precisely calling for action, which might invoke violence among the public. The trailer of the movie was released on 17.02.2026, which again tries to provoke sentiments of the general public in several spheres,” the petition states.
The petition has been moved by advocates Maitreyi Sachchidananda Hegde, Rizla KM, Deepika K Sasi.
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CBFC Certification and Release Plans
The film has obtained a U/A certification from the censor board which permits viewers aged 14 and above to watch the film with their parents. The certification decision itself has sparked debate among audiences and analysts over the evaluation criteria applied to sensitive subject matter.
“We have received cuts and got the certificate. It’s a U/A certificate, and I am thankful to the board that they gave this rating so that young sisters and daughters can go to cinema halls and watch the film. The youngsters, the parents should go and watch the film,” Kamakhya Narayan Singh said.
In an interview with India Today, he said “”I am truly grateful to the Censor Board for granting a UA certificate to our film. It reflects their faith in the intent and integrity with which we have told this story. This decision is especially important because it allows us to reach young girls and families across the country.”
The movie, described as a spiritual sequel to the 2023 film The Kerala Story, is scheduled for nationwide release on February 27. The project features actors Ulka Gupta and Aditi Bhatia in lead roles and is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, with direction by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.
Political Reactions Add to Row
The political criticism has reached an extreme level which now serves as a barrier to the legal process. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has publicly condemned the film, alleging that it attempts to spread communal discord and portray the state negatively. The opposition leaders have accused the film creators of presenting false information which will harm Kerala’s reputation throughout the world.
Background
The original 2023 film also encountered multiple legal petitions, protests, and demands for bans before its release. Courts at the time declined to halt the screening after noting that the CBFC had certified the movie and that disclaimers were included.
