In a significant courtroom development, the Kerala High Court has cleared the path for the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond. The division bench on Friday set aside the earlier interim stay, allowing the film to proceed toward its scheduled theatrical run.
The ruling came after an intense legal back-and-forth that unfolded over two days, keeping producers and audiences on edge.
A division bench comprising Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan stayed the interim order issued by single-judge Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. The earlier directive had halted the film’s release for 15 days.
The single-judge bench had passed that order while hearing writ petitions filed by Sreedev Namboodiri and Freddy V. Francis. The petitioners had challenged the censor certification granted to the film and sought intervention.
However, after hearing detailed arguments that stretched late into the evening, the division bench decided to vacate the stay, effectively restoring the film’s clearance for release.
On Thursday, Justice Thomas had directed a temporary halt and asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to consider the petitioners’ pending representation. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was also instructed to review the concerns raised about the film’s U/A certification.
During earlier proceedings, the court had questioned whether the censor board had adhered to its own guidelines while granting the certificate.
This interim order paused the film’s release just ahead of its scheduled February 27 debut.
The producers wasted no time. They filed an appeal against the stay order the very same day.
Recognising the urgency, the division bench assembled for a special sitting at 7:30 pm to hear the matter. The proceedings reportedly lasted over two hours before the bench reserved its verdict.
By 4 pm on Friday, the court delivered its decision, lifting the interim stay and removing the legal roadblock.
With the stay vacated, the film now has judicial clearance to move forward. However, the producers have not yet announced a revised release date following the brief legal pause.
For now, the spotlight shifts from the courtroom back to the box office, as The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond prepares to make its theatrical entry after a dramatic legal twist.
