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Kerala Story 2 Producer Fights HC Screening Order, Cites Censor Authority

The producer of 'The Kerala Story 2', Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has filed a counter-affidavit opposing the Kerala High Court's order for a pre-release screening. Shah asserts that the Censor Board is the sole constitutional authority for examining films and that the sequel already has the necessary certification. He argues that halting the release would cause significant financial loss and can only be done if major errors in the censor process are proven. The film, a sequel to the National Award-winning original, continues to spark controversy over its narrative.

Key Points: Kerala Story 2 Producer Opposes HC Screening Order

  • Producer opposes court screening order
  • Asserts Censor Board's exclusive authority
  • Film has existing censor certificate
  • Warns of major financial loss if halted
  • Court had ordered pre-release screening
2 min read

'The Kerala Story 2' producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah opposes Kerala HC's order for film screening

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah files affidavit against Kerala High Court's pre-release screening order, asserting Censor Board's sole authority.

"The Censor Board is the sole authority empowered to examine films and issue certificates. - Vipul Amrutlal Shah"

Kochi, February 25

Amid the growing controversies surrounding the release of 'The Kerala Story 2', the film's producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah has filed a counter-affidavit opposing the Kerala High Court's order for a screening.

Asserting that the Kerala HC should not exercise its oversight authority to view and evaluate the film, Vipul Amrutlal Shah clarified that the Censor Board is the sole authority empowered to examine films and issue certificates.

Shah also explained that the film was previously granted permission for screening after experts viewing, adding that they were satisfied with the narrative.

The film was granted Censor Board approval following all constitutional procedures, the producer said.

He strongly informed the court that 'The Kerala Story 2' cannot be stayed unless there are major errors in the Censor Board's decision, further highlighting that halting its release would cause significant financial loss.

On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court ordered the makers of 'The Kerala Story 2' to arrange a screening of the Hindi film for the court in Kochi before its release on Friday.

Prior to this, the makers even dismissed reports claiming the film's teaser was pulled following court intervention.

Sunshine Pictures issued a statement that said, "...would like to categorically clarify that the news currently circulating regarding the removal of The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond teaser is completely false, baseless, and misleading. The matter is presently sub judice. No judgment or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content. We have not deleted or taken down any material."

'The Kerala Story 2', the sequel of the National Award-winning 'The Kerala Story', which released in 2023, follows the lives of three young women who fall into what the film describes as deceptive marriages and face alleged forced religious conversions.

The sequel has sparked strong reactions since its trailer launch. Opposition leaders, celebrities and several social media users have criticised it as "propaganda", while the filmmakers maintain that it is based on researched real-life incidents.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Kerala, I'm tired of my state being portrayed in this negative light repeatedly. The first film caused so much unnecessary tension. Now a sequel? 🤦‍♀️ While I agree the court shouldn't overstep the CBFC, I wish filmmakers would focus on stories that unite rather than divide.
R
Rohit P
Financial loss is a genuine concern. Crores are invested in these projects. If the CBFC has cleared it after due process, that should be the end of the discussion. The court's job is to interpret law, not to become a pre-release review committee.
S
Sarah B
I respectfully disagree with the producer on one point. While CBFC is the primary authority, if a film has the potential to disrupt public order—which the first one arguably did—the judiciary has a responsibility to intervene. It's about maintaining peace, not censorship.
V
Vikram M
The whole "based on true events" claim needs scrutiny. If it's genuinely researched, they should present their sources transparently. The court asking for a screening might be unusual, but given the controversy, perhaps some oversight is needed to prevent misinformation. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
This is becoming a pattern now. Make a controversial film, get free publicity through court cases and protests, then cash in at the box office. 🎬 The real story gets lost in the noise. I just hope the women of Kerala aren't further stereotyped because of this.

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