Even as controversies surround it, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its release on February 27. The film has received a U/A 16+ certificate after multiple edits were implemented as advised by the Board.
Cuts implemented by The Kerala Story 2 makers
According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, the makers of The Kerala Story 2 had to implement 16 major cuts before obtaining censor approval. They were asked to trim scenes depicting intimacy and sexual violence. A specific lip-lock sequence was shortened by seven seconds, while rape scenes were reduced by 20 seconds. Two scenes portraying violence against women were each reduced by two seconds — one involving a woman being slapped and another where a woman’s head is struck.
The Board also demanded changes to a scene showing an accused person’s house being demolished using a bulldozer. Three dialogues were modified, and one word was muted.
Apart from visual cuts, the makers were instructed to add disclaimers to the film. They were asked to include a disclaimer stating that The Kerala Story 2 is based on true events, with the text remaining on screen for an additional two minutes and three seconds, accompanied by a voice-over. The producers were also directed to submit the complete script with dialogues and provide documents supporting the claims made in the film. Additionally, they were asked to furnish a consent letter regarding the casting of a minor, which was submitted to the Board.
After complying with all CBFC directives, the film was issued a certificate on February 16. The final runtime of the film stands at 131 minutes and 24 seconds (2 hours, 11 minutes and 24 seconds).
Kerala HC questions CBFC over The Kerala Story 2 certification
On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court said it would watch the film before deciding on three petitions seeking a stay on its release and cancellation of its certification over concerns that it may cause communal strife. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who was hearing the pleas, emphasised that the CBFC has an important role when a film portrays a secular state like Kerala through a communal lens.
The judge further observed that since the film claims to be based on true events, concerns regarding misrepresentation and the potential to incite communal tensions cannot be ignored. He also orally remarked that given the State’s name appears in the film’s title, the concerns of Kerala’s people deserve serious consideration.
Meanwhile, Senior Advocate S. Sreekumar, appearing for the producers, agreed to take down the teasers released so far until the Court delivers its verdict.
