Madras High Court Prohibits Unauthorized Airing of The Kerala Story 2

The much-discussed film The Kerala Story 2, helmed by director Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Shah, made its theatrical debut on February 28. Following a tumultuous legal journey at the Kerala High Court, the film was ultimately permitted to release on that same evening. The Madras High Court has since stepped in to prevent any illegal broadcasting of the film. On March 3, the court issued an order barring internet service providers and cable television operators from airing the film without proper authorization. A report from The Indian Express states that Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy issued an interim ruling in response to two petitions filed by Sunshine Pictures Limited, the film’s production company, which expressed concerns about potential copyright violations ahead of the release. The court noted that the producer provided a CBFC certificate as proof of ownership. In its ruling, the court remarked, “In matters of this nature, it is likely that irreversible injury will occur unless unlawful broadcast is prevented at the threshold. At the same time, it is possible that the legitimate business interests of one or more respondents may be affected, given the expansive nature of the relief claimed. Therefore, it is necessary that the plaintiff shall indemnify in respect thereof.” An ad interim injunction was granted until March 23, stating, “Subject to this condition, orders of ad interim injunction as prayed for are granted in these two applications until 23.03.2026. Issue notice to the respondents returnable on 23.03.2026. Private notice is also permitted. The applicant shall comply with Order XXXIX Rule 3 of CPC.” Regarding the film, Vipul Shah elaborated on his motivations for creating The Kerala Story 2, describing it as an exploration of a “much larger evil” that extends beyond Kerala’s borders. The sequel follows the journeys of three Hindu women from various states who challenge their families to marry Muslim men, only to face forced conversions. Shah, who co-wrote and produced the film under Sunshine Pictures, emphasized that there was no initial intent to develop a franchise after the success of the first film, which grossed over Rs 300 crore and garnered two National Awards. “We had no intention of creating ‘Kerala Story 2’. However, after the first film, we began receiving numerous stories that highlighted a broader issue not confined to Kerala but prevalent across the nation. We had to share this narrative as it is more significant and distinct from the first part. That’s why we opted to create a sequel. It wasn’t a marketing ploy like, ‘Let’s make a second part because it’s a successful brand.’ It was nothing of the sort,” Shah shared in a PTI interview.