The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted an interim stay on the release of the film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond, observing the prima facie non-application of mind by the censor board while certifying the movie. The order was passed just a day before the film’s scheduled theatrical release, effectively halting its debut.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the stay while hearing two petitions that challenged the certification and release of the film. The court noted preliminary concerns regarding the manner in which clearance had been granted, indicating that due diligence may not have been properly exercised during the certification process.

In its order, the High Court also remarked that the guidelines intended to ensure films do not disturb social harmony appear not to have been adequately followed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The observation formed a key basis for granting interim relief to the petitioners.

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The film was originally slated for release on February 27, but the court’s direction has now put its screening on hold pending further consideration of the pleas. The petitioners had raised concerns about the potential social impact of the film and questioned the certification process followed by the CBFC.

Legal proceedings in the matter are expected to continue, with the court likely to examine the certification and related materials in greater detail in subsequent hearings. The interim stay will remain in force until further orders are issued.

The development marks the latest legal hurdle for the film industry over content-related disputes, as courts increasingly scrutinise whether regulatory norms and public order considerations have been properly addressed before granting exhibition clearance.