Kerala High Court stays release of The Kerala Story 2, directs CBFC to re-examine the film In what can be regarded as a major setback to the makers of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, the Kerala High Court on Thursday granted an interim stay against the release of the film, arguing that the UA certification by the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) is questionable. The stay comes a couple of days after the court asked the producers to not release the film until the court delivers its verdict. This court order is also a big blow to the CBFC as the ostensible final authority for the suitability/non suitability of a film to be shown to the public. The court in its order also said that the guidelines for ensuring a film does not disrupt the society’s equilibrium appear not to have been adhered to by the CBFC. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas told the CBFC to re-examine the objections raised in the petitions within two weeks. Until the board gives a fresh decision, the film cannot be released. The court said it usually avoids interfering with a movie’s release, but stepped in because the concerns seemed real and needed careful review. The film was scheduled to be released on February 27. With the film, the only major release this week, being postponed the theatre exhibitors are in a panic. This writer spoke to Kumar Abhishek, Manager Connplex in Patna at 2. 55 pm on Thursday. “Sir, abhi tak humein koi information nahin aaya hai (we have no information about the postponeme... #Kerala #High_Court #Court #film #High #Kerala_Story #Central_Board #Kerala_High #Story #Film_Certification

Kerala HC questions CBFC over certification of The Kerala Story 2; court to watch film before verdict The Kerala High Court on Tuesday raised serious questions over the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to the contentious film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. The Court said it would watch the film before deciding on three petitions seeking a stay on its release and cancellation of its certification. Hearing the matter, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the CBFC has a crucial responsibility, particularly when a film portrays a secular State like Kerala through what petitioners describe as a communal lens. “Kerala is so secular. It lives with total harmony but have you considered this when something is portrayed as happening all over the state? There is a wrong indication and can even incite passion and that is when the censor board (CBFC) comes in picture,” the judge remarked. The Court noted that since the film claims to be inspired by true events, the apprehensions raised by petitioners cannot be dismissed outright. “The film is projected as being inspired by true events and that, prima facie shows that the concerns raised by the petitioners appear to have some justification,” Justice Thomas said. He further pointed out that including the name ‘Kerala’ in the title heightens public concern. “Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala… you say it is inspired by true events and n... #Kerala #High_Court #film #Kerala_Story #Central_Board #Kerala_High #Story #questions_CBFC #Tuesday_raised #certification_granted

Kerala HC seeks CBFC, producers’ response on plea to stay The Kerala Story 2 release The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the producers of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond on a petition seeking cancellation of the film’s certification and a stay on its release. The plea, filed by Kannur resident Sreedev Namboodiri, alleges that the upcoming sequel portrays Kerala in an unfair light and has the potential to incite communal and regional disharmony. The matter was heard by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who directed the CBFC and the film’s producer, Sunshine Pictures, to file their responses. The case is scheduled for further hearing on February 24. The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond is the sequel to the controversial Hindi film The Kerala Story, which depicted a group of women from Kerala who were allegedly recruited into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In his petition, Namboodiri has challenged the certification granted to the sequel, arguing that the CBFC failed to properly evaluate the film’s impact on public order, decency and morality as mandated under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The plea raises concerns over the teaser and trailer of the film. It points to the closing line in the teaser — “ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” (we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight) — claiming that it amounts to a call for action that could trigger violence. The petition also alleges that certain di... #Kerala #High_Court #Kerala_Story #Central_Board #Kerala_High #Thursday_issued #seeks_CBFC #issued_notice #seeking_cancellation #Story
