Kerala is secular, lives in harmony: Kerala High Court quizzes CBFC over approval to movie Kerala Story 2

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the certification granted to the contentious movie 'The Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond'. [Sreedev Namboodiri v. Union of India & Ors and connected cases]. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was considering three petitions which sought a stay on the film's release and cancellation of its certification over concerns that it may cause communal rife.

Justice Thomas emphasised that the CBFC has a crucial role to play when the movie seemingly shows a secular state like Kerala through a communal lense. "Kerala is so secular. It lives with total harmony but have you considered this when something is portrayed as happening all over the state? There is a wrong indication and can even incite passion and that is when the censor board (CBFC) comes in picture", he said.

The judge observed that since the film claims to be based on true events, the concerns raised by the petitioners regarding misrepresentation and inciting communal tensions seemed justified. "The film is projected as being inspired by true events and that, prima facie shows that the concerns raised by the petitioners appear to have some justification", Justice Thomas said. Justice Thomas orally remarked that considering the fact that the name of the State is included in the title of the film, the apprehensions of the people of Kerala cannot be ignored. "Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala.

Normally, I do not interfere with any movie because it is a creation of an art but then you say it is inspired by true events and named it Kerala, which can create some communal tension", Justice Thomas said. Justice Thomas also questioned whether the film complies with notifications issued by the CBFC itself which bars visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious, and other similar groups. "See freedom of creativity is there but there are certain conditions by the CBFC to be followed. Question is are you aware of that.

Presumption can be reversed by the movie itself but this is not just creation, you say it is inspired by true events. That has great bearing," Justice Thomas remarked.