Kochi: The release of “The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond” has come under judicial scrutiny after a petition was filed before the Kerala High Court seeking a halt to its release.
Acting on the plea, the court issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the film’s producer, raising fresh uncertainty over its scheduled release on February 27, 2026.
The petition was filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a biologist by profession, who alleged that the teaser of the film “shocked his conscience” and portrayed Kerala in a negative light.
According to the petitioner, the teaser depicts the story of three women from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan who allegedly fall into the trap of terrorists who “weaponise romance” to convert unmarried girls and alter the country’s demography.
“The teaser shows the story of 3 women from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan who fall into the trap of terrorists who weaponise romance to convert unmarried girls and change the demography of the country. As the characters speak to the screen in the teaser, they make several statements that have the potential to create a law and order situation in the country,” the petitioner submitted before the court.
The petitioner argued that although the teaser references stories from multiple states, the film’s title creates an impression that such incidents are exclusive to Kerala.
He contended that this could stigmatise the entire regional population and potentially disturb public order.
“Such a portrayal has the potential to stigmatise an entire regional population, disturb public order, and incite communal and regional disharmony,” the plea stated.
The petitioner further submitted that the content may trigger communal tension and regional unrest if released without scrutiny.
The plea seeks either a stay on the release and public exhibition of the film or a direction to the Central Government to consider and decide the revision petition (Exhibit P3) within a time-bound framework.
Additionally, the petitioner has requested that the release of the film be kept on hold until the revision petition is disposed of.
It is pertinent to mention here that, “Love Jihad” is a serious and structured social threat rather than isolated interfaith relationships. The issue as an organised campaign in which vulnerable Hindu girls are allegedly targeted through emotional manipulation, concealment of religious identity, and inducements, with the ultimate aim of religious conversion and demographic change.
Organiser’s reportage has frequently cited FIR details, charge sheets, and police investigations from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and across Bharat where anti-conversion laws have been invoked. Many cases involve accused individuals allegedly hiding their real names, using fake social media identities, and promising marriage before pressuring the victim to convert. In some reports, it has also highlighted claims of financial backing or organised modules operating behind such relationships.
Demographic anxiety and cultural security are central to understanding the phenomenon. The issue must be seen through the lens of women’s safety, civilisational identity, and national security rather than being dismissed as mere consensual interfaith relationships.
There is an “alarming rise” in reported cases, particularly in rural and semi-urban belts where families claim their daughters were lured through deception. It has repeatedly called for stronger awareness campaigns, digital vigilance, and proactive policing to prevent what it describes as an organised menace affecting social harmony and community stability.
