The Kerala Story 2 Row Intensifies Ahead of February 27 Release
The Kerala Story 2 has become the centre of an escalating legal and political storm just days before its scheduled theatrical release on February 27, 2026. The sequel is facing multiple petitions in the Kerala High Court, public criticism from filmmakers, and allegations of misinformation surrounding its teaser and trailer.
With court hearings underway and the release date approaching, the controversy has amplified national attention around the film.
Kerala High Court Hearing on Petitions Against The Kerala Story 2
Three separate pleas have been filed in the Kerala High Court seeking to quash the censor certificate granted to The Kerala Story 2 and stall its release.
During the hearing, the court observed that the teaser and trailer appeared to portray Kerala, a State known for communal harmony, in a negative light. The judge also noted concerns that presenting the film as being based on “true events” could potentially lead to communal tensions.
At one stage, the court sought a screening of the full film before deciding on the petitions. However, during subsequent proceedings, the makers declined to screen the film before the court, instead arguing that the court should first determine whether the petitions qualify as public interest litigation or private litigation.
The matter is currently under examination, with further hearings scheduled.
Producer Defends Certification, Calls Pleas Premature
In an affidavit submitted before the High Court, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah described the petitions opposing The Kerala Story 2 as premature, misconceived and not maintainable.
He argued that the Central Board of Film Certification, constituted under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, is the sole authority empowered to examine and certify films for public exhibition. According to the affidavit, the court should not substitute its assessment for that of the certifying body.
The producer also stated that restraining the release of a certified film based solely on a teaser, without examining the complete film, could cause irreversible economic harm to producers, exhibitors and distributors. The film is reportedly slated to release in over 1,800 theatres across India and overseas.
Addressing concerns about the title, the affidavit clarified that the phrase “Goes Beyond” is a deliberate indication that the narrative extends beyond Kerala’s geography. The definite article “The” in the title, it said, refers to the earlier instalment in the franchise and does not restrict the subject matter to the State alone.
Makers Deny Teaser Removal Rumours
Amid widespread speculation, the production banner has denied reports that the teaser of The Kerala Story 2 was removed following court intervention.
In an official statement, the makers said no court order has directed the removal of any promotional material. They clarified that both the teaser and trailer remain available on official platforms and urged media outlets and digital platforms to avoid circulating unverified information.
The clarification came after rumours suggested that the teaser had been pulled down due to legal pressure.
Anurag Kashyap’s Remarks Add Fuel to the Debate
The controversy intensified further after filmmaker Anurag Kashyap publicly criticised The Kerala Story 2.
In a viral interaction with reporters on the sidelines of a recent awards event in Kerala, Kashyap described the film’s trailer in harsh terms and labelled the project as propaganda. He also reiterated his criticism in earlier remarks, accusing the film of attempting to divide audiences and spread hatred.
His comments triggered a sharp response from director Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who defended the film’s intent and rejected allegations of propaganda. In a video statement, Singh maintained that the film addresses serious issues and criticised Kashyap’s stance.
The exchange has turned into a public war of words, further polarising opinions around the film.
Background of the Sequel
The Kerala Story 2 is a sequel to the 2023 National Award-winning film The Kerala Story. The new instalment, subtitled Goes Beyond, centres on the lives of young women who, according to the filmmakers, are subjected to deception and forced religious conversions.
The trailer’s portrayal of interfaith relationships and alleged coercion has drawn both support and criticism. Opposition leaders, celebrities and several social media users have described the film as divisive, while the makers insist it is based on researched real-life incidents.
Director Kamakhya Narayan Singh has stated in interviews that he stands by the film’s authenticity and would step away from filmmaking if proven wrong.
Release Date and Industry Impact
Despite the ongoing legal and political scrutiny, The Kerala Story 2 remains scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
With petitions still under consideration and the High Court examining the maintainability of the cases, the coming days are likely to determine whether the film releases as planned.
As debates over censorship, artistic freedom and communal sensitivity continue, The Kerala Story 2 has emerged as one of the most contentious releases of the year, placing the spotlight not only on its content but also on the broader conversation around cinema and public discourse in India.
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