Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Days after The Kerala Story 2 opened in theatres, the Madras High Court stepped in to prevent unauthorised streaming and cable broadcasts of the film.
The sequel, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under the banner of Sunshine Pictures Limited, was released on February 28. On March 3, Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy passed an interim order restraining internet service providers and cable television operators from illegally transmitting the film.
The order came in response to two applications filed by the producer, which raised concerns about potential copyright infringement shortly after release. During the hearing, the court recorded that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate submitted by the producer identified Sunshine Pictures Limited as the copyright holder.
Observing the urgency of such cases, the court noted that delays in preventing unauthorised broadcasts could result in irreversible losses. It stated, “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 interest of one or more respondents may be affected, in view of the expansive nature of the relief claimed. Therefore, it is necessary that the plaintiff shall indemnify in respect thereof.”
The court granted an ad interim injunction until March 23, directing issuance of notice to respondents returnable on that date. The order specified that the applicant must comply with procedural requirements under Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Civil Procedure Code.
The Kerala Story 2 Gets Court Protection
The film’s The Kerala Story 2 theatrical journey has not been without controversy. Prior to release, the Kerala High Court had stayed its screening, leading to its withdrawal from theatres hours before its scheduled debut. A division bench subsequently lifted the stay, allowing the film to release on February 28.
Backed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story 2 centres on the story of three young women who, according to the narrative, enter deceptive marriages and face forced religious conversions. The subject matter has drawn criticism from several political leaders in Kerala, some of whom have labelled the film as propaganda.
With the High Court’s interim order now in place, the producers have secured temporary legal protection as the film continues its theatrical run.