Kerala biologist moves High Court against 'The Kerala Story 2', alleges stereotyping of the state

The petitioner, Sreedev Namboodiri, a native of Chittariparamba in Kannur district, identified himself as a Malayali Brahmin in the plea and questioned both the narrative and naming of the sequel.

Namboodiri has sought cancellation of the censor certificate granted to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), arguing that the Board failed to adequately assess whether the film could threaten public order, decency, morality, or national integrity, as required under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act.

The petition alleges that the sequel contains “malicious and stereotypical projections” that scandalise the entire state without factual basis.

“A perusal of the trailer shows that the story is based on women from three different states and is largely set in northern India. Yet, the title and certain scenes attempt to portray Kerala in a bad light,” the plea states.

It further argues that the film could alienate Kerala and Keralites from the rest of the country, despite the community’s widespread contribution to India’s workforce and economy, both domestically and globally.

Objection to title and promotional material

The petitioner has also objected to a provocative line used in the film’s promotions-“we will not tolerate anymore, we will fight”- claiming it reinforces a misleading and inflammatory narrative.

“The title is an intentional attempt to impute a speculative fear of the filmmaker onto an entire state,” the plea said, while clarifying that the petitioner is not opposed to freedom of expression but objects to attributing such fears falsely to Kerala.

Taking cognisance of the plea, the Kerala High Court has issued notice to the CBFC and directed the film’s producer, Sunshine Pictures, to file a response. The matter is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, February 24.

Political backlash grows

The controversy around The Kerala Story 2 intensified following the release of its trailer, which portrays Hindu women allegedly being targeted by Islamic men under the guise of love, depicting romance as a tool of control and coercion.

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

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has earlier criticised reports about the sequel, stating that it would be another attempt to foment communal discord in the state.