The single-judge had passed his order on two petitions chalenging the release of the movie on the grounds that the movie misrepresents Kerala and could incite communal disharmony.
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.
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.
Justice Thomas passed an interim order staying the release opining that prima facie there was an absence of application of mind by the CBFC while granting certification. He, therefore, directed the CBFC to consider the revision petitions filed by the petitioners before the board within a period of two weeks.
Pertinently, the single-judge ordered that the movie shall not be released for 15 days.
Justice Thomas said that while he is usually hesitant when it comes to interfering with the release of films, the Court has to step in when the alleged content of the film could have the genuine potential of inciting communal disharmony.
