Nandita Das Slams Censorship on ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’
Synopsis
Nandita Das has voiced her strong criticism of the censorship affecting 'The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond', emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom and the role of time in evaluating art. The film's release is currently delayed due to a Kerala High Court stay order. Discover her views and the film's implications.
Key Takeaways
Nandita Das criticizes censorship as a barrier to artistic freedom.
The Kerala High Court issued a stay on the release of ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’ .
Das advocates for the importance of time in assessing the value of art.
The film's producers have challenged the court's decision in the Supreme Court.
The film is a sequel to the award-winning ‘The Kerala Story’ .
Mumbai, Feb 26 (NationPress) Actress and director Nandita Das has expressed her strong disapproval of the oppressive censorship surrounding the highly anticipated film ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’.
During her attendance at the Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat event organized by the Chintan Research Foundation, she took the opportunity to discuss the Kerala High Court's recent stay order regarding the film’s release with IANS.
Das remarked, “Censorship is a constraint on all forms of artistic expression. It is essential for art to have the freedom to thrive. While some pieces may be excellent and others may not resonate, all kinds of work contribute to a community's ability to discern quality. Time serves as the ultimate judge of artistic merit; those works that endure will invariably possess depth.”
She further emphasized, “In navigating this landscape, we will encounter much that seems trivial, and we must learn to overlook it, but I am unequivocally against censorship in any artistic medium.”
Earlier that same day, the producers of ‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’ sought recourse in the Supreme Court after the Kerala High Court granted a temporary stay on the film's release.
The court observed that there appeared to be a lack of thorough consideration from the Censor Board when certifying the film. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the stay order while addressing two petitions contesting the movie’s release.
The court noted that the guidelines designed to uphold social harmony seemed to have been disregarded by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
‘The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond’ was originally scheduled to premiere on Friday. In a legal affidavit submitted on Wednesday, producer Vipul Shah asserted that only the censor board is entitled to prevent a film's release. This movie serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed ‘The Kerala Story’, which debuted in 2023.
Point of View
Nandita Das's condemnation of censorship raises critical questions about artistic freedom in India. Her arguments reflect a broader concern over the implications of censorship on creativity and expression, especially in the context of controversial films that spark public debate.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nandita Das's stance on censorship?
Nandita Das opposes censorship, stating it stifles artistic expression and emphasizes the importance of allowing art the freedom to thrive.
What led to the stay order on 'The Kerala Story 2'?
The Kerala High Court issued a stay due to concerns over the Censor Board's lack of thorough evaluation regarding the film's certification.
When was 'The Kerala Story 2' originally set for release?
'The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond' was scheduled to be released on a Friday, which has now been postponed due to the court's decision.
Who is the producer of 'The Kerala Story 2'?
The film is produced by Vipul Shah, who has stated that only the censor board can halt a film's release.
What is the significance of 'The Kerala Story'?
'The Kerala Story' is a sequel to the National Award-winning film that gained critical acclaim upon its release in 2023.
