Freddy V Francis Vs Union of India (Kerala High Court)
These writ petitions were filed challenging the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to the film titled “The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond.” The petitioners sought reconsideration of the certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and also in light of a revision petition filed under Section 6 of the Act. One petitioner additionally sought modification of the film’s title to a neutral name, removal of direct references portraying the State of Kerala as indulging in romantic forceful conversions, and replacement of the tagline “inspired by true events” with a disclaimer stating that the film is purely fictional and unsupported by government data.
The petitioners alleged that the sequel followed a prequel that had projected large-scale conversions, and that in earlier proceedings before the Supreme Court, the producer had agreed to add a disclaimer stating that there was no authentic data to justify any figure of conversion and that the film was a fictionalised account. They contended that the sequel repeated similar themes, describing it as “inspired by true events” without authentic supporting data, and containing visuals and dialogues denigrating the State and a religious community. Screenshots from the teaser were produced, including the epigraph “Inspired by true events,” the dialogue “Our mission is to convert Hindu girls,” and the title display with the inscription “And Sharia law will be enforced across all of India.”
