Release Put On Hold
Just one day prior to its scheduled premiere on February 27, 2026, the Kerala High Court has officially placed a 15-day interim stay on the release of 'The
Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.' This unexpected development means the film will not be available to audiences as planned, pending further legal proceedings. The sequel to the acclaimed 'The Kerala Story,' which garnered a National Award in 2023, delves into the narratives of three young women allegedly entangled in deceptive marriages and facing purported forced religious conversions. The film's journey to the screen has been marked by considerable public and media attention since its trailer first dropped.
Director's Stance
Reacting to the court's decision, director Sudipto Sen conveyed his perspective, emphasizing that "issues of cinema should end with the censor board only." Speaking to ANI, Sen stated his detachment from the specifics of the current legal case and the film itself, saying, "I have not seen the film nor I followed the court case." He elaborated on the dichotomy of judging a film without viewing it but strongly advocated for constitutional authorities to empower the censor board to make definitive decisions. His sentiment is that the final say on cinematic matters should rest with the established censorship body, streamlining the process and avoiding protracted legal entanglements after initial review.
Filmmaker's Response
The makers of 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' have previously addressed circulating rumors, particularly concerning the removal of the film's teaser. Sunshine Pictures issued a firm statement refuting claims of any court-ordered deletion of material, labeling such reports as "completely false, baseless, and misleading." They emphasized that the matter was sub judice and no court had mandated the removal of any content. The statement clarified that both the teaser and trailer remained accessible on their official platforms and urged media outlets and individuals to cease the dissemination of unverified and speculative information, which they believe causes unwarranted confusion. The filmmakers are now anticipated to announce a revised release date once the current stay period concludes.
