Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has welcomed the decision of the Kerala High Court to clear the way for the release of his film The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond. The court’s divisional bench stayed an earlier single-judge order that had halted the film’s screening for 15 days, allowing its theatrical rollout to proceed.
The interim relief came as a significant boost to the makers, who had argued that the stay would cause heavy financial losses and disrupt scheduled screenings both in India and overseas. With the latest order in place, theatres have begun opening shows, and the release plan is back on track.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the decision, Shah expressed gratitude to the court and addressed the controversy surrounding the film. He firmly stated that neither he nor his team harbours any ill will toward Kerala or its people. Emphasising his respect for the state, Shah said Kerala is a “beautiful place” and described it as a “God-loving country.” However, he added that if wrongdoing occurs anywhere, it is the responsibility of filmmakers to bring such issues to light.
Shah underlined that the film does not paint Kerala in a negative light. According to him, the narrative focuses on exposing specific individuals involved in criminal activities rather than targeting any region or community. He clarified that the story highlights criminals who may belong to different parts of the country, including Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and that the title reflects this broader canvas.
“This film exposes some criminals. Some criminals live in Kerala, some are from Madhya Pradesh, some are from Rajasthan,” Shah said, reiterating that audiences would understand the film’s intent once they watch it in full. He maintained that the project was created with the aim of drawing attention to a social issue, not maligning any state or community.
The producer also pointed to the court’s decision as validation of the film’s compliance with due process. He argued that if the content had been misleading or false, the court would not have permitted its release. Shah said he was deeply grateful to the judges for considering the matter carefully and lifting the stay.
In its order, the divisional bench observed that the earlier stay appeared to rely on select clippings rather than a viewing of the entire film. The judges noted that the modifications directed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had been implemented. This, they said, reinforced the presumption that certification guidelines had been properly followed.
The bench further stated that once a film receives certification, it carries the presumption that all relevant legal provisions — including those concerning public order under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 — have been duly considered. The court added that maintaining law and order in case of unrest falls within the responsibility of the state authorities.
Earlier, in his appeal against the single-judge order, Shah had contended that any delay in release would result in substantial financial damage. The film was scheduled to open in more than 1,500 theatres across India and over 300 overseas locations. A prolonged halt, he argued, would not only affect box office prospects but also impact distributors and exhibitors who had invested in the release.
With the divisional bench’s interim order now in effect, the makers are moving ahead with screenings. The controversy, however, has once again highlighted the delicate balance between creative freedom, regulatory oversight and public sentiment. For Shah and his team, the focus remains on presenting their film to audiences and allowing viewers to judge its content firsthand.