Madras HC restrains illegal streaming of The Kerala Story 2 to curb piracy ahead of release

Madras HC restrains illegal streaming of The Kerala Story 2 to curb piracy ahead of release

• Madras High Court bans illegal streaming of The Kerala Story 2
• Order targets 29 ISPs and Chennai cable operators until 2026
• Producers acted to prevent piracy impacting box office and copyright.

Did our AI summary help?

The Madras High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining internet service providers (ISPs) and cable television operators from illegally streaming or broadcasting the controversial movie The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond amid concerns over piracy and copyright infringement.

The order was passed on March 3, 2026, just days after the film’s theatrical release on February 28, underscoring the urgency of protecting the producers’ rights in the digital age.

In the suit filed by Sunshine Pictures Limited — the production house behind the film — Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy granted the ad-interim relief to prevent unauthorized distribution that could significantly undermine the movie’s commercial prospects.

The injunction specifically names Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), alongside 28 other ISPs and several Chennai-based cable operators, prohibiting them from hosting, streaming or transmitting any part of the film without proper authorisation until March 23, 2026.

The court action was prompted by producer concerns that unlawful streaming immediately after release could cause “irreversible harm” to the film’s box office performance and copyright interests, especially given its high profile and the ongoing legal and public discourse surrounding the movie. Sunshine Pictures supported its claim by submitting the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate, which formally identifies it as the film’s copyright owner.

Also read: Vipul Amrutlal Shah alleges that theatre owners in Chennai, Kerala threatened over The Kerala Story 2 screenings

The Kerala Story 2 has been at the centre of debate both legally and socially. Before its release, the Kerala High Court briefly imposed a stay on the film’s release after petitions challenged its CBFC certification, raising concerns about potential communal disharmony due to some of its themes. That order was later lifted by a division bench, clearing the film for theatrical exhibition.