‘Kerala lives in harmony, film’s portrayal wrong’: Kerala High Court raps Kerala Story sequel makers

The court sought the Centre’s stand on whether a screening of the film could be arranged immediately before it delivers its judgment on petitions challenging the censor certification, alleging that the movie depicts the state negatively.

While examining transcripts of certain dialogues, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas orally remarked that the portrayal in the film was misleading and did not reflect the reality of the state.

“Kerala lives in total harmony. But you have portrayed that this is happening all over Kerala. There is a wrong indication and it can also incite passion. That is where the censor board comes into play. Have you considered that?” the judge was quoted as saying by Live Law.

Acknowledging public concerns, Justice Thomas added that although courts generally respect artistic freedom, the film’s claim of being inspired by true events and explicitly naming Kerala could create communal tension.

He directed the makers to arrange a screening of the film for the court.

The controversy surrounding the sequel intensified after its trailer portrayed Hindu women allegedly being targeted by Islamic men under the guise of love, depicting relationships as tools of coercion and radicalisation.

The film is written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier criticised reports about the sequel, alleging it could be another attempt to foment communal discord in the state.

The first part, The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, had sparked major controversy after its teaser claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala were converted to Islam and recruited by ISIS.

The figure was widely disputed by political leaders, activists, and fact-checkers, prompting protests, legal challenges, and a nationwide debate over factual accuracy and artistic freedom.

The filmmakers later revised the claim, stating the film was inspired by a limited number of real-life cases.