The planned theatrical release of Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond was put on hold by the Kerala High Court a day before it was due to open. The sequel had received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and was scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
On February 26, 2026, a single-judge bench imposed a 15-day stay on the film’s release, finding that the CBFC may not have properly applied its own guidelines and citing a “non-application of mind.” The court expressed concern the film’s content could disrupt social harmony and directed the board to re-examine its certification. The petitioner argued that the film’s title and themes could portray Kerala and its people unfairly, raising constitutional questions touching on dignity and freedom of expression.
Despite the stay, reports indicated that some ticket sales continued in certain areas, creating confusion and prompting further legal scrutiny. Several theatre chains responded by cancelling morning shows and removing the film from listings while the matter was under judicial consideration.
Producers, led by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, filed an urgent appeal. Hours after the single-judge order, a division bench heard the appeal and on February 27 stayed the earlier stay. The division bench observed that once the CBFC had followed statutory procedures, imposing interim judicial restraint without a fuller review was inappropriate. It allowed ticket bookings to resume, effectively clearing the way for the film’s release.
When Kerala Story 2 opened, advance bookings and initial footfall were muted in parts of the state amid protests and public debate. Sparse audiences in some locations reflected mixed reactions, even after the legal clearance.
The episode highlights continuing tensions in Indian cinema between artistic freedom, regulatory oversight and public order. It also raises broader questions about how certification bodies and courts should balance storytelling against potential communal sensitivities and applicable legal standards.
