Thee upcoming release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has reignited a fierce national debate, landing the film in the crosshairs of both the Kerala government and the judiciary. Scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, the sequel to the 2023 blockbuster is already mired in a high-stakes legal battle over its portrayal of the state.

​High Court Intervention: Censor Certificate Under Fire

​On Thursday, February 19, the Kerala High Court issued urgent notices to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the film's producers, Sunshine Pictures. The move comes in response to a writ petition filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a resident of Kannur, who is seeking the immediate cancellation of the film’s censor certificate.

​The petitioner argues that the film violates the Cinematograph Act of 1952, claiming:

  • ​Misleading Branding: Although the trailer shows stories spanning multiple states (including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh), it uses the "Kerala" title to associate incidents of forced conversion and terrorism exclusively with the state.

  • ​Threat to Public Order: The petition alleges the film contains "malicious and stereotypical projections" that could stigmatize the regional population and incite communal disharmony.

  • ​Retaliatory Tone: The petitioner flagged the trailer’s tagline—“Ab sahenge nahi, ladenge” (We will not tolerate anymore, we will fight)—as a potential trigger for real-world violence.

​The Court has posted the matter for a follow-up hearing on Tuesday, February 24.

​CM Pinarayi Vijayan vs. The Filmmakers

​Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has led the political charge against the sequel, blasting the film as a tool for "communal discord." Taking to social media, the CM stated:

​"The release of a second part of 'The Kerala Story,' made with the agenda of spreading hatred against Kerala and insulting our secular traditions, should be seen with utmost gravity. Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt."

​The CM further categorized the film as "poisonous" and "fabricated," urging citizens to stand united against what he calls a "Sangh Parivar agenda" to paint the land of harmony as a "hub of terror."

​The Director's Retort

​Responding to the "hate-mongering" labels, director Kamakhya Narayan Singh and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah have defended the film’s intent. Singh fired back at the CM’s remarks, suggesting that political opposition is driven by a "communal agenda" of its own.

​The filmmakers maintain that the movie is based on true events and is intended to "create public awareness" about forced conversions. They argue that the film "Goes Beyond" Kerala to show that these issues are a national concern, rather than a state-specific attack.

​A Divided Social Landscape

​While the legal and political battles rage, social media in Kerala has responded with a mix of outrage and satire. Viral campaigns titled "The Real Kerala Story" have surfaced, showcasing the state's communal amity, while others have "roasted" the trailer with memes centered around Kerala’s diverse culinary and social traditions.

​With the release date looming, all eyes are now on the Kerala High Court to see if The Kerala Story 2 will hit the silver screen or be stalled by legal intervention.