Kerala HC directs The Kerala Story 2 makers not to release film until hearing concludes amid petition

The film, helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vpul Amrutlal Shah, is slated for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026.

• Kerala HC halts Kerala Story 2 rights release temporarily
• Petitioner claims film portrays Kerala maliciously
• Hearing on the film's release is set to resume on Thursday

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The makers of Kerala Story 2 have been directed by the Kerala High Court to refrain from releasing the film’s rights until further orders. The court observed that the concerns raised by the petitioner appear “probably genuine" and instructed the producers to wait for the matter to be heard and decided.

The film, helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vpul Amrutlal Shah, is slated for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026. However, it has already sparked controversy over its portrayal of Indian Muslims and has drawn criticism for allegedly making exaggerated claims.

A petition was filed before the Kerala High Court by biologist Sreedev Namboodiri, who sought either a stay on the film’s release or a halt to its public exhibition. The petitioner contended that the movie presents a “malicious" depiction of the state of Kerala.

Hearing the matter, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas remarked, “I’ll give you enough and more time, but then don’t release while it (hearing) is pending. Wait for the hearing to conclude and for the court to decide on the petitions."

The case was taken up by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas after the court had earlier expressed its willingness to watch the film. However, the makers were reportedly not inclined to arrange a screening for the bench.

Advocate S Sreekumar, appearing on behalf of the filmmakers, was present during the proceedings. He questioned the locus standi of the petitioner, arguing that the individual was not personally aggrieved by the film’s content. The court session concluded midway through his submissions, and the hearing is scheduled to resume on Thursday.

Also read: The Kerala Story 2 makers deny teaser removal reports, call claims ‘false and misleading’

On the other hand, the petitioner’s counsel, Sreerag Shylan, argued that the film was being promoted as being based on true events and maintained that its title itself defamed the state of Kerala.

The plea has been filed based on the material shown in the teaser. Meanwhile, the producers have clarified that the final film does not necessarily contain the same content that appeared in the promotional material.