The Kerala Story 2 has barely been in cinemas for five days — and it has already fought legal battles in two different High Courts. The latest ruling comes from the Madras High Court, which on March 3 stepped in to protect the film from piracy. For a film that nearly never released at all, the order signals just how hard its producers are fighting to protect it.
What the Madras High Court Actually Ordered
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy passed an ad interim injunction on March 3, restraining internet service providers and cable TV operators from unlawfully broadcasting the film. The order came in two applications filed by producer Sunshine Pictures Limited, which had apprehended copyright infringement ahead of and after the film’s release.
As evidence of copyright ownership, the court noted that the producer submitted the CBFC certificate. The injunction remains in place until March 23, 2026, when all respondents must appear before the court.
Why the Court Acted — and What It Said About Risk
The court was clear about the stakes. It observed that irreversible injury could occur unless unlawful broadcasting is prevented immediately — a standard argument in film piracy cases, but one that carries real weight here given the film’s controversial profile.
However, the court also balanced producer interests against respondent rights. It therefore required Sunshine Pictures Limited to indemnify any legitimate business interests that the broad injunction might affect. That condition is notable — it means the producers are putting money behind this legal protection.
The Kerala High Court Battle That Almost Killed the Release
This Madras HC order is only the latest chapter. Before The Kerala Story 2 could even open, it faced a stay from the Kerala High Court just days before its scheduled release. The stay forced the film to be pulled from theatres hours before its Friday opening.
A division bench of the Kerala HC subsequently lifted the stay, allowing the film to finally release on Saturday, February 28. For a film that describes itself as based on real events involving deceptive marriages and forced religious conversions, the legal turbulence was almost inevitable. Several Kerala political figures have criticised the film as propaganda.
Box Office Numbers and What They Mean
Despite the controversy — or perhaps because of it — The Kerala Story 2 earned ₹11.35 crore nett in India across its first three days. That is a reasonable opening for a mid-sized Bollywood release, though well below the blockbuster tier.
The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, Aishwarya Ojha, Arjan Singh Aujla, and Yuktam Kholsa. It is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah — the same producer behind the original Kerala Story, which became one of the most politically charged hits of 2023.
What Happens Next
The next court date is March 23. Meanwhile, the film continues its theatrical run under the protection of the Madras HC order. Whether the injunction gets extended, modified, or challenged will depend on how the respondents respond at the next hearing.
For now, the producers have secured what they needed most — legal cover during the film’s most commercially critical window.
