Screenings of the controversial sequel, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, were abruptly cancelled or halted across several districts in Kerala on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The disruption follows a wave of heated protests by activists who claim the film misrepresents the state’s secular values and social fabric.
The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, had just overcome a legal hurdle on Friday when the Kerala High Court lifted an interim stay on its release. However, the legal victory did not translate to a smooth theatrical run on the ground.
Protests Erupt Across Theatres
In Kannur, the scheduled morning and afternoon shows were cancelled after members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a massive demonstration outside cinema halls. Protesters were seen tearing down posters and, in some instances, burning them to mark their opposition. Similar scenes unfolded in Thrissur, where activists led by DYFI District Committee Secretary K.S. Russal Raj marched to Fun Movies theatre, symbolically pouring charcoal over the film’s promotional materials.
The situation in Kottayam grew particularly tense at the Anashwara Theatre. According to reports, activists entered the hall during the intermission of the 11:00 AM show, urging the audience to leave. While a few viewers initially resisted, the screening was eventually abandoned. Theatre management in multiple locations has since begun the process of refunding ticket holders, citing safety concerns and a lack of audience following the disruptions.
The release of The Kerala Story 2 has been mired in controversy since its trailer launched earlier this month. The film’s narrative—which follows three women from different states who allegedly face forced religious conversion and deceptive marriages—has been branded by critics and several political groups as “propaganda.”
The legal journey to the big screen has been a rollercoaster: February 26: A single-judge bench of the Kerala High Court granted a 15-day stay on the film’s release, citing concerns over social harmony.
February 27: The producers moved an urgent appeal. A Division Bench, comprising Justices S.A. Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan, lifted the stay, allowing the film to hit theatres.
February 28: While legal, the film faced “public stays” as protesters blocked entry to theatres.
Public and Industry Reaction
While the filmmakers maintain that the movie is based on researched real-life incidents, the response in Kerala has been cold. Beyond the protests, ticket sales have been reportedly slow in major cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
Social media remains divided, with some users supporting the film as a “social awareness” tool, while others have “roasted” the trailer with local memes, accusing the makers of attempting to create a communal divide.
As of Saturday evening, many theatre owners in the state are reportedly reassessing whether to continue with Sunday’s scheduled shows, fearing further clashes and damage to property. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
