In a dramatic development just a day before its planned release, The Kerala Story 2 has been temporarily stalled by the Kerala High Court. The film, which was scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, now faces an uncertain release timeline after the court directed the makers to halt screening until further notice.
The decision has reignited debates over creative freedom, censorship, and the responsibilities of filmmakers in India.
Court Raises Concerns Over Content and Certification
The bench, led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, noted that the petitions challenging the film’s certification raised serious issues. The court observed that there was insufficient time to thoroughly examine the concerns before the scheduled release.
Judges also questioned why the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had granted the film a U/A certificate rather than an ‘A’ rating. The court emphasized that “Kerala is part of India, and the question is not about the dignity of Kerala but the dignity of India.”
Also read : ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge song ‘ : First Song from Bhoot Bangla Starring Akshay Kumar Out Now
The hearing has been adjourned to February 26, leaving the film Kerala Story 2 release on hold until further orders.
Producers Call Petition “Premature”
Kerala Story 2 Filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah, through an affidavit, described the petition seeking to block the release as “premature, misconceived, and not maintainable.” The producers argued that the court cannot override the CBFC’s expert evaluation.
The legal team further stated that the Kerala Story 2 film focuses on the experiences of women survivors, and revoking the certification would not be legally justifiable. Originally, The Kerala Story 2 was slated to screen in over 1,800 theatres across India and abroad, but distribution plans are now paused.
Sunshine Pictures Issues Clarification
In response to rumors claiming that the teaser had been removed, production house Sunshine Pictures clarified that the reports were “completely false, baseless, and misleading.” The statement confirmed that both the teaser and trailer remain available on official platforms and that no court order has directed their removal.
CBFC Stands by Certification
During proceedings, the CBFC defended its U/A certification, citing precedents of films referencing Indian states and cities in their titles, including Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, and Delhi Belly.
However, the court stressed that the concerns raised needed careful evaluation before permitting the Kerala Story 2 film’s release.
What Lies Ahead?
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story 2 now faces closer legal scrutiny. The film’s release will depend entirely on the Kerala High Court’s final decision. Reports indicate that Vipul Shah may approach the Supreme Court to challenge the order.
As the legal proceedings continue, uncertainty surrounds the film’s release, reigniting broader discussions on censorship, creative freedom, and accountability within Indian cinema.In a dramatic development just a day before its planned release, The Kerala Story 2 has been temporarily stalled by the Kerala High Court. TheKerala Story 2 film, which was scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, now faces an uncertain release timeline after the court directed the makers to halt screening until further notice.
The decision has reignited debates over creative freedom, censorship, and the responsibilities of filmmakers in India.
Court Raises Concerns Over Content and Certification
The bench, led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, noted that the petitions challenging the film’s certification raised serious issues. The court observed that there was insufficient time to thoroughly examine the concerns before the scheduled release.
Judges also questioned why the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had granted the film a U/A certificate rather than an ‘A’ rating. The court emphasized that “Kerala is part of India, and the question is not about the dignity of Kerala but the dignity of India.”
The hearing has been adjourned to February 26, leaving the film’s release on hold until further orders.
Producers Call Petition “Premature”
Filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah, through an affidavit, described the petition seeking to block the release as “premature, misconceived, and not maintainable.” The producers argued that the court cannot override the CBFC’s expert evaluation.
The legal team further stated that the film focuses on the experiences of women survivors, and revoking the certification would not be legally justifiable. Originally, The Kerala Story 2 was slated to screen in over 1,800 theatres across India and abroad, but distribution plans are now paused.
Sunshine Pictures Issues Clarification
In response to rumors claiming that the teaser had been removed, production house Sunshine Pictures clarified that the reports were “completely false, baseless, and misleading.” The statement confirmed that both the teaser and trailer remain available on official platforms and that no court order has directed their removal.
CBFC Stands by Certification
During proceedings, the CBFC defended its U/A certification, citing precedents of films referencing Indian states and cities in their titles, including Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, and Delhi Belly.
Addressing recent misinformation.#VipulAmrutlalShah @kamakhyanarayan @Aashin_A_Shah@Ulka12official #AishwaryaOjha @Aditi_bhatia4 @sumit2012_sumit @AujlaArjan @Yuktam10
[ Sunshine Pictures, The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond, Bollywood, #TheKeralaStory2 ] pic.twitter.com/05kDy3sswC
— Sunshine Pictures (@sunshinepicture) February 24, 2026
However, the court stressed that the concerns raised needed careful evaluation before permitting the Kerala Story 2 film’s release.
What Lies Ahead?
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story 2 now faces closer legal scrutiny. The film’s release will depend entirely on the Kerala High Court’s final decision. Reports indicate that Vipul Shah may approach the Supreme Court to challenge the order.
As the legal proceedings continue, uncertainty surrounds the film’s release, reigniting broader discussions on censorship, creative freedom, and accountability within Indian cinema.