The Kerala Story 2 release faces legal battle, sees muted turnout
The Kerala Story 2 finally reached cinemas on February 27 after days of legal uncertainty, but the dramatic build-up did not translate into an explosive box office debut. Despite the Kerala High Court lifting an interim stay just hours before its scheduled release, the film opened to noticeably subdued footfall across theatres in Kerala. Early trade estimates place its first-day earnings at approximately Rs 3.5 crore, reflecting a modest start for a film that has dominated headlines in the lead-up to release.
The sequel, officially titled The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, had initially been halted by a single-judge bench of the Kerala High Court, which ordered a re-examination of the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification. The decision introduced immediate uncertainty around its release timeline and triggered an urgent appeal from the producers. What followed was a swift legal turnaround that cleared the path for screenings, though the delay inevitably affected show scheduling and advance bookings.
Court clearance clears path for screening
The legal battle surrounding The Kerala Story 2 unfolded rapidly. A single-judge bench had stayed the film’s release for 15 days, observing that the CBFC appeared, at first glance, to have overlooked certain certification guidelines while granting approval. Petitions filed before the court alleged that the film’s promotional material misrepresented Kerala and warranted closer scrutiny.
The producers moved quickly, filing a writ appeal before a Division Bench. In a special evening session, the Division Bench overturned the earlier order and lifted the interim stay, allowing the film to be screened. The court’s decision effectively restored the CBFC’s certification, bringing immediate relief to the makers.
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah subsequently addressed the media, stating that the examining committee comprised eight members, including experts and social workers from Kerala. He maintained that the High Court found no deficiencies in the CBFC’s functioning and that the certification process had been properly conducted. His remarks underscored the producers’ position that the film had met all regulatory requirements before release.
Limited initial shows, gradual expansion
Although the legal hurdle was cleared, the timing of the verdict had a direct impact on the scale of the opening. On the evening the stay was lifted, The Kerala Story 2 was screened in only a handful of theatres, with limited shows available. The short notice meant that many theatres could not schedule full-day screenings or open advance bookings in time.
By February 28, the film’s presence had expanded to roughly 80 theatres across Kerala. Even so, exhibitors described the response as underwhelming compared to the intense debate that had preceded its release. Theatre owners pointed out that while controversy often generates curiosity, it does not necessarily convert into ticket sales unless supported by strong content and audience engagement. Bookings were reportedly stronger for evening and night shows, while morning occupancy remained modest in several centres.
Day 1 box office: Rs 3.5 crore
In purely commercial terms, The Kerala Story 2 posted an estimated Day 1 collection of Rs 3.5 crore. The film registered an overall Hindi occupancy of approximately 11.99 percent on its opening Friday, indicating a cautious start rather than a surge driven by curiosity or controversy.
Reports from theatres in Kerala painted a mixed picture. In some multiplexes, particularly during morning hours, ticket sales were limited, with exhibitors noting that bookings had opened late due to the legal delay. However, there was cautious optimism that weekend footfall could improve once reviews and word of mouth began circulating more widely.
Industry observers also recalled that the first instalment in 2023 did not open strongly in Kerala but gained traction over time. That precedent offers some context for the sequel’s performance, though whether a similar trajectory will unfold remains uncertain.
Protests and divided opinion
Beyond box office figures, the release of The Kerala Story 2 has continued to attract public scrutiny. Activists staged protests outside certain theatres in Kochi, alleging that the film misrepresents Kerala’s secular identity and social fabric. The demonstrations were part of a broader wave of criticism that began with the teaser and trailer, which had already triggered sharp reactions on social media.
Online discourse around the film has been deeply polarised, with supporters and detractors debating its themes and narrative choices. Critics have argued that the sequel intensifies the ideological framing introduced in the first film, suggesting that the narrative pushes contentious themes to the forefront. The film’s release during the holy month of Ramzan has further amplified the sensitivity surrounding its subject matter.
About the film and its makers
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond serves as a follow-up to the 2023 release. The cast includes Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles, supported by Sumit Gahlawat and others. The CBFC had granted the film a U/A 16+ certificate earlier in February before the legal challenge intervened.
The central legal question revolved around whether the certification process adequately addressed concerns raised by petitioners. With the Division Bench lifting the stay, the film has now entered theatres with judicial backing, at least for the moment, closing one chapter of its contentious journey.
What lies ahead for The Kerala Story 2
For now, The Kerala Story 2 stands as one of the most legally contested film releases of 2026, shaped as much by courtroom proceedings as by cinematic reception. The opening figures suggest a restrained start, but the coming days will determine whether the film can build momentum through audience response.
As the weekend unfolds, trade analysts will closely watch occupancy trends and word-of-mouth impact. In a market where controversy alone rarely guarantees sustained commercial success, the film’s long-term performance will depend on how viewers ultimately respond once the headlines give way to theatre experiences.
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