‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond‘ is a sequel to the controversial Hindi film, ‘The Kerala Story’, which portrayed the alleged recruitment of women from Kerala into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The present petitions arose amid continuing controversy surrounding the sequel, much like the earlier film, which drew widespread criticism for its depiction of religious radicalisation of women and its alleged impact on the image of Kerala.
One petition was filed by Kannur native Sreedev Namboodiri, who alleged that the sequel movie’s title and promotional materials, including the teaser and trailer, contained themes and dialogues capable of inciting violence and unfairly stigmatised the state of Kerala.
Namboodiri objected to the teaser’s closing line ‘ab sahenge nahin… ladenge’ (we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight), arguing that it amounted to a call for confrontation capable of triggering communal violence.
He also challenged the CBFC certification on the ground that the board failed to assess the film’s impact on public order, decency and morality as mandated under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Another petition by Freddie V Francis sought a ban on the film’s release and challenged the use of the term ‘Kerala’ in the title, arguing that it falsely associated the state with terrorism and forced religious conversion, despite the film’s story involving characters from other states.
He termed this as ‘marketing of hate’ and questioned the claim that the film is based on true events.
All three petitioners contended that the movie’s certification and exhibition was violative of Article 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life and liberty) along with Article 19(1)(a)of the Indian Constitution which provides reasonable restrictions to freedom of speech.
A third petition was filed by advocate Athul Roy which questioned the certification and the title of the movie.
The Court today dismissed Roy’s petition and passed the interim order on Namboodiri and Francis’s petitions.
