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Mumbai, February 25, 2026 : The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 has intensified ahead of its scheduled theatrical release on Friday, February 27, 2026, with the Kerala High Court stepping in to examine concerns raised about the film’s content and its potential social impact.
In a significant development, the Kerala High Court directed that a special screening of the film be held for judges before its public release. During the proceedings, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas reportedly observed that the teaser and trailer appeared to wrongly portray the people of Kerala and could incite passion. The court also noted that although the storyline spans multiple states, the title The Kerala Story 2 creates a direct association with Kerala that may be perceived as stigmatising the region. The final decision on whether the film will release as scheduled is expected to depend on the outcome of the court-ordered screening.
The film has already undergone scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification, which cleared it after suggesting 16 cuts. These include the shortening of certain assault and intimate scenes, indicating the sensitive nature of portions of the narrative. Legal experts point out that while the CBFC has the statutory authority to certify films, constitutional courts may intervene if questions of public order or misrepresentation arise.
Political reactions in Kerala have been sharp. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has described the film as false propaganda aimed at damaging the state’s secular fabric. Leaders of the ruling Left Democratic Front have echoed similar concerns, arguing that cinema must not distort social realities or stigmatise communities. On the other hand, several national political figures have defended the film as an exercise of artistic freedom and cautioned against curbing creative expression without viewing the full work.
Beyond the courtroom and political sphere, the film has sparked cultural debate on social media. A particular trailer scene depicting a woman allegedly being forcefully fed beef triggered widespread satire and counter-campaigns online. Many residents responded by sharing images of communal dining events and so-called beef festivals, underscoring Kerala’s long-standing traditions of religious coexistence and diverse food practices.
The sequel marks a change in creative leadership. Unlike the 2023 original directed by Sudipto Sen, this instalment is helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The film features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles. While the producers have maintained that the story is based on researched accounts, critics continue to question its framing and emphasis.
The debate once again reflects the delicate balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility in Indian cinema. As judges review the film in a special screening, the coming days will determine whether The Kerala Story 2 proceeds to theatres on schedule or faces further legal hurdles, in what has become one of the most closely watched film controversies of the year.
