On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court raised concerns about the upcoming movie "The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond" getting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), in response to three petitions demanding a cancellation of the film's certification and its release, keeping in mind that it could trigger communal tensions.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas pointed out the responsibilities of CBFC when it comes to portraying a "secular" region like Kerala in a manner that could be seen as dividing communities. He added that Kerala is "a place where people live in harmony", and portraying the region in a distorted and false manner could send the wrong message and potentially create unrest.
The judge noted that since the film claims to be based on true events, the concerns raised by the petitioners about misrepresentation and causing social discord seem valid.
Justice Thomas also mentioned that while he usually doesn’t interfere with artistic creations, the claim that the film is inspired by true events, along with the use of "Kerala" in the title, could lead to communal tension.
The judge questioned whether the film adheres to the rules and guidelines established by CBFC, given the subject matter, while acknowledging the importance of creative freedom.
Further directions from the Kerala High Court are expected after the judge views the film on Wednesday.
"The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond", directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is slated for release on February 27.
Meanwhile, during a promotional event for the film held in Delhi, the makers brought to the stage 37 women who claimed to be victims of "Love Jihad." However, it was later revealed that none of the women was from Kerala. The makers have apparently been unable to give a proper answer on this either.
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah continues to maintain that the film is not intended to target Kerala but aims to address a broader issue of manipulative conversions across India, calling it a "pan-Indian" film, unlike the first part, which was more specific to Kerala.
Then why "Kerala" in the title? Everyone in Kerala — the sensible ones, that is — is waiting for the answer.