Kerala Lives in Harmony: High Court Challenges Kerala Story Sequel Over Truth and Tension

Kerala is often called God’s Own Country. It is a land where festivals of all religions are celebrated with equal joy. From the lamps of temples to the bells of churches and the call of mosques, life flows peacefully. Recently, the Kerala High Court questioned the makers of Kerala Story: Goes Beyond. The court observed that the film appears to portray Kerala negatively. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas remarked that while art is free, linking a state’s name with sensitive claims could create communal tension. The court has now asked for a screening before giving its final judgment. This moment is bigger than cinema. It touches truth, responsibility, and social harmony.

The Kerala High Court observed that Kerala lives in harmony and questioned whether the sequel shows a misleading picture. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas examined dialogues and noted that the portrayal did not match the ground reality. The court respects freedom of expression but stressed that films claiming to be based on real events must carry responsibility. Naming Kerala directly while showing sensitive themes could affect social peace. The judges have asked for a special screening before delivering their decision on petitions challenging the censor certificate.

The film is written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. It follows the earlier film The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, which faced backlash over claims that 32,000 women were converted and recruited by ISIS. Critics argued the number was exaggerated and damaging. Now, the sequel faces similar concerns. The court is examining whether linking the story directly to Kerala could create communal misunderstandings, especially when promoted as inspired by true events.



Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has openly criticised reports about the sequel. He warned that such films could attempt to create communal discord in the state. According to him, Kerala’s strength lies in unity and coexistence. Political leaders believe that portraying the state negatively may harm its image nationally and globally. Kerala has long been known for high literacy, social development, and religious harmony. The government fears that misleading narratives could damage social trust built over decades.

Courts usually respect artistic freedom. Cinema is a powerful medium that reflects social realities and emotions. However, when films claim to be inspired by true stories and name real places, they carry greater responsibility. Justice Thomas highlighted that such portrayals can create fear or tension if not handled carefully. Freedom of speech is protected, but it must not harm social peace. This case reminds filmmakers that storytelling is not just entertainment. It shapes public opinion and influences how communities are seen.



Kerala is a land where Onam, Christmas, and Eid are celebrated together. Families from different religions share meals and festivals. For many people, Kerala represents peaceful coexistence. When a film shows a different picture, emotions rise quickly. The High Court noted that Kerala lives in harmony and such harmony should not be disturbed by inaccurate portrayals. The final decision will reflect not only legal points but also social responsibility. This debate shows how deeply people care about their state’s dignity and image.

Kerala is a land where Onam, Christmas, and Eid are celebrated together. Families from different religions share meals and festivals. For many people, Kerala represents peaceful coexistence. When a film shows a different picture, emotions rise quickly. The High Court noted that Kerala lives in harmony and such harmony should not be disturbed by inaccurate portrayals. The final decision will reflect not only legal points but also social responsibility. This debate shows how deeply people care about their state’s dignity and image.

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Why did the Kerala High Court question the film?
The Kerala High Court observed that the film may show Kerala in a negative light. While respecting artistic freedom, the court is concerned that naming Kerala and claiming “true events” could create communal tension.
What is the controversy about the original Kerala Story?
The first film claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala were converted to Islam and recruited by ISIS. These numbers and claims were widely criticized as exaggerated and misleading.
Who are the makers of the sequel?
The sequel Kerala Story: Goes Beyond is written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.
What is Kerala Chief Minister’s view on the film?
CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the reports about the sequel, saying it could create communal discord and misrepresent Kerala’s harmony and culture.
What will the court do next?
The High Court has directed the film makers to arrange a screening for the court before it delivers its judgment on petitions challenging the censor certification.