Release Postponed by Court
The much-anticipated release of 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' has been unexpectedly put on hold following an interim order from the Kerala High Court.
Scheduled to hit screens, the film's debut was postponed just a day before its intended launch. The court's decision stems from a petition that questioned the validity of the U/A certificate previously granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This judicial intervention signifies a significant pause in the film's distribution, pending a thorough review of the certification process by the statutory body.
Certification Under Scrutiny
A division bench of the Kerala High Court, presided over by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, intervened after a petitioner from Kannur lodged a complaint seeking to nullify the screening certificate issued to 'Kerala Story 2'. The core of the petitioner's argument revolved around the film's thematic content, which reportedly explores women from various states being allegedly manipulated into relationships and subsequently coerced into religious conversions. However, the title, 'Kerala Story 2', was seen as creating a misleading association, implying a direct link between forced religious conversion and the state of Kerala. During the proceedings, the court voiced its sentiment that the people of Kerala coexist harmoniously, indirectly questioning the premise that might foster division.
CBFC's Due Diligence Questioned
The High Court's observation that there was a 'non-application of mind' by the CBFC during the certification process is a critical point in this legal battle. The court has mandated that the CBFC must revisit the revision petitions filed by the complainant and provide a decision within a fortnight. The petitioner's concerns extended to the potential for the film to incite law and order issues upon its release, given its sensitive subject matter. The petition explicitly stated that such a regional linkage could potentially damage the dignity and reputation of the people of Kerala. It further argued that this could infringe upon their fundamental rights, including those guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, and might also violate the reasonable restrictions stipulated for freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
