REGULATORY · INDIA
Kerala High Court halts release of Hindi film after questioning CBFC certification process
Change
On Feb 26, 2026, the Kerala High Court issued an interim stay on the Feb 27 release of the Hindi film "The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond" and directed the CBFC to re-examine its certification after finding prima facie guideline non-compliance.
Why it matters
The Kerala High Court stayed the film’s release one day before its scheduled Feb 27, 2026 launch, after petitions challenged the censor certificate and alleged misportrayal of Kerala in the teaser/trailer. The court said it appeared, on a prima facie basis, that the CBFC ignored film certification guidelines and ordered the board to re-examine the matter. The court also noted the teaser (conceded to be part of the movie) had prima facie potential to distort public perception of Kerala and disturb communal harmony. The stay creates an immediate constraint on theatrical rollout and associated marketing/distribution timelines until the certification review is completed.
Implications
- • Theatrical release and related distribution contracts face immediate timing disruption.
- • CBFC certification is subject to re-examination, delaying clearance for public exhibition.
- • Heightened legal exposure for releases where teasers/trailers are treated as film content.
- • Court-flagged communal-harmony risk can constrain promotional and screening plans.
Who is affected
- • Film producer and distributors of "The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond"
- • Cinema exhibitors/theatre chains scheduled to screen the film
- • Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) and certification decision-makers
- • Streaming/ancillary rights holders tied to release-window milestones
Source
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