The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (February 24) indicated that it would personally examine the film Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond amid objections to the censor certificate granted to it, observing that the manner in which the state has been depicted could have wider implications.

The matter was taken up on today while the court was hearing petitions challenging the certification of the film ahead of its scheduled February 27 release.

During the proceedings, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas underscored Kerala’s social fabric and raised concerns over the film’s projected narrative.

“Kerala lives in total harmony. But you have portrayed that this is happening all over Kerala. There is a wrong indication and can also incite passion. That is where the censor board comes into play. Have you considered that?” Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas orally remarked. The court also sought the Union government’s response on the issue, according to Live Law.

It further questioned the rationale behind using the name of the state in the film’s title, noting the potential for misunderstanding or communal strain.

“…Normally, I do not interfere with any movie. Artistic freedom. But you are saying that it is inspired by true events and name Kerala is given, which can create some communal tension. I will watch the movie tomorrow. You can arrange a screening of the movie tomorrow,” the judge said.

Directing the Centre to clarify its position, the court asked the Union government to “come up with instructions” on Wednesday.

“Get instructions as to whether the movie can be screened. Can’t render that petition as infructuous. How long would the central govt take to decide on the representation? Get instructions by 1:45 pm… All these presumptions can be rebutted if the movie depicts something that can incite communal violence,” the judge said.

Appearing for the petitioners, counsel argued that although the film’s title invokes Kerala, the narrative presented is not confined to the state.

“The movie makers held a meeting in Delhi where the victims of terror acts — none of them were from Kerala. In fact, when this question was posed to the movie makers, they said that the movie is not about Kerala and it is a pan-India movie. Therefore, using the name of ‘Kerala’ in the movie title would be misleading,” the counsel argued.

The petitioners further contended that the film’s teaser was being circulated without prior certification. In response, the filmmakers maintained that the teaser did not contain footage from the film itself. They later informed the court that they were willing to withdraw the teasers.

The court reiterated that once released, the film would carry significant public impact, especially given its claim of being inspired by real incidents.

“Once the movie is released, it is not just a creation. You are saying it is inspired by true events. It has a great bearing… In bold letters, you are saying inspired by true event. And in very microscopic letters you would have said the characters are all fictional…” Justice Thomas said, adding that while he did not want to restrict any artistic freedom, the law indicated certain restrictions.

The petitioner has argued that the certification process was not conducted in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and that attaching the name of a specific state to the title risks stigmatising the region. The court is set to view the film before taking a further call on whether its release can proceed as scheduled.