Kerala High Court halts release of The Kerala Story 2 rights; questions CBFC’s U/A certification

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday instructed the producers of the controversial film The Kerala Story 2 to refrain from releasing its rights until the court delivers a verdict on petitions contesting its certification.

While hearing the case, the bench observed that the concerns flagged by the petitioners appeared genuine and directed the filmmakers to put their plans on hold. The court insisted in a statement that movie is not released as scheduled tomorrow and that the makers have to wait for the hearing to conclude, giving the court time to decide on the petitions as well.

The bench also raised questions about the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), asking them the reason behind giving U/A certificate instead of an ‘A’.  The judges remarked, expressing surprise at the rating. The court further noted that the producers themselves were not pressing for an immediate screening and pointed out that there was limited time to examine the matter comprehensively.

During arguments, counsel representing the CBFC defended the certification, stating that several films have previously used names of Indian states or cities in their titles. Examples cited included Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Delhi Belly, suggesting that objections to the current title were not unprecedented.

The producers’ legal team argued that the film focuses on the experiences of women survivors and maintained that the petition raises broader legal questions. They also contended that the request to quash the certification was legally unsustainable.

The court clearly maintained that Kerala is a part of India and not a location isolated from the country, adding that the question is not about dignity of Kerala but dignity of India. After hearing preliminary submissions, the High Court recorded the undertaking by the filmmakers that they would await its ruling before proceeding further. The matter was then adjourned and will resume tomorrow, on February 26.

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story 2 recently drew political and public attention following the release of its trailer. The film, featuring Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha, is scheduled to release on February 27.

Also Read: The Kerala Story 2 teaser row: Makers deny removal rumours as Kerala High Court questions CBFC certification

Two marriage ceremonies for Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda

The Big Fat South Indian Wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda on February 26 promises to be special on many counts. A guest from the Udaipur venue revealed that the couple intends to go through two separate ceremonies.

“The first wedding will be in the Telugu tradition while the second ceremony will be in the Kodava tradition, peculiar to the Coorg district in Karnataka, which Rashmika belongs to,” revealed a guest from Udaipur.

Apparently, it was Vijay’s idea to have two different ceremonies to honour the culture and communities that the couple belongs to.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda wedding: From taking just a short break post-marriage to starting their joint production house, here’s the dope around the star couple before their big leap

Ram Gopal Varma calls Seedance 2.0 the “asteroid” set to brutally murder film industry’s “arrogance”: “This is actually the liberation of cinema”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stirred a fresh debate on the future of cinema, calling AI tool “Seedance 2.0” the “murderer of the film industry” while also describing it as a force of liberation.

In a post shared on February 25, 2026, Varma argued that advanced AI filmmaking tools could dismantle the traditional structure of the movie business. Referring to blockbuster filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, he wrote that directors like Rajamouli command massive budgets due to their proven creative vision and track record. However, he questioned how many equally talented storytellers across India never get access to funding or industry networks.

According to Varma, tools like Seedance 2.0 have “kicked the gate down and set it on fire,” enabling creators from small towns to generate large-scale, cinematic visuals using descriptive prompts alone. He described it as “true democracy in motion,” suggesting that AI shifts power away from a select few and into the hands of the masses.

Varma went further, predicting a structural collapse of the current filmmaking ecosystem. “A director’s primary job is to take a scene on paper and transfer it onto screen,” he wrote, listing the vast crew involved in the process. Advanced AI, he claimed, could eliminate the need for actors, technicians, production teams and even large budgets.

“No more star issues. No more producers panicking over budgets. No more 300 people standing around waiting for one shot. Just one person. One prompt. One mind,” he stated.

Calling the evolution inevitable, Varma likened the shift to an asteroid striking dinosaurs. “The dinosaurs had their 100 year reign. Now the asteroid has arrived. And its name is A I,” he wrote, adding that the industry “will get murdered brutally — not slowly, not peacefully.”

SEEDANCE 2.0 , the MURDERER of FILM INDUSTRY Leaving aside its copyright infringements etc which is another matter , here’s my take on Seedance 2.0

@ssrajsmouli is the no. 1 director because he makes the most expensive films and the most successful ..People fund him a 1000…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) February 25, 2026

He concluded by posing a provocative question: Is this the death of the film industry, or its ultimate democratisation?

Varma’s remarks have already sparked conversations on the social media platform, reigniting the ongoing debate over whether artificial intelligence will disrupt or redefine the future of cinema.

Also Read: Ram Gopal Verma says he “pities the ones who will come in Dhurandhar 2’s way” ahead of its release on March 19

Priyamani boards Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5 as shoot begins in Mumbai, reunites with Maidaan co-star Ajay Devgn: Report

Actress Priyamani has reportedly joined the cast of Golmaal 5, the latest instalment of Rohit Shetty’s popular comedy franchise. The development marks her reunion with Ajay Devgn after their collaboration in Maidaan.

According to Variety India, the first shooting schedule is expected to span approximately a month. Filming for the film commenced on Monday, February 23, in Mumbai, with Ajay Devgn slated to join the sets on February 25. While details about Priyamani’s character are being kept under wraps, reports suggest that she has already begun shooting her portions.

The Golmaal franchise remains one of Hindi cinema’s most commercially successful comedy series, known for its ensemble-driven storytelling and recurring characters. The fifth instalment will see the return of its core cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu and Shreyas Talpade. Veteran performers Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar are also set to reprise their popular roles.

There have also been reports suggesting that Akshay Kumar may join the cast. However, the makers have not officially confirmed this development.

The film’s production gains momentum weeks after an alarming incident at Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence, where five rounds of bullets were reportedly fired. The Mumbai Crime Branch investigation revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. Officials earlier stated that the accused, including Subham Lonkar, allegedly intended to create panic in the city. Investigators also said that Rs 40,000 was transferred to one of the arrested accused, who was in contact with Lonkar through a single messaging application.

Also Read: SCOOP: Rohit Shetty takes the Do Aur Do Paanch route for Golmaal 5; sets up a Tom & Jerry rivalry between Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar

The Kerala Story 2 teaser row: Makers deny removal rumours as Kerala High Court questions CBFC certification

The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond intensified on February 24 after reports surfaced claiming that the film’s teaser had been removed amid legal scrutiny. However, the makers have categorically denied these claims.

In an official statement, Sunshine Pictures clarified that the circulating news about the teaser being taken down is false adding, “Sunshine Pictures would like to categorically clarify that the news currently circulating regarding the removal of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond teaser is completely false, baseless, and misleading. The matter is presently sub judice. No judgment or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content. We have not deleted or taken down any material. Both the teaser and the trailer of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond continue to remain available across all our official platforms. We strongly urge media houses, digital platforms, and individuals to refrain from spreading unverified information and speculative reports. Such misinformation only creates unnecessary confusion”.

The clarification comes after the Kerala High Court raised serious questions over the certification granted to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, while hearing three petitions seeking a stay on the film’s release and cancellation of its certification, observed that the CBFC holds significant responsibility, especially when a film portrays a secular state like Kerala through what petitioners describe as a communal lens.

During the hearing, the Court remarked on Kerala’s secular fabric and communal harmony, questioning whether due consideration had been given to how the state is represented in the film. The judge noted that portraying events as occurring across the state could give a “wrong indication” and potentially incite passion, which is precisely where the censor board’s role becomes crucial.

The Court further observed that since the film is projected as being inspired by true events, the concerns raised by the petitioners appear to have some prima facie justification. Justice Thomas also pointed out that the inclusion of the name ‘Kerala’ in the title heightens public apprehension, particularly if the narrative could lead to communal tension.

Senior Advocate S. Sreekumar, representing the producers, agreed during the hearing to remove the existing teasers until the Court delivers its verdict and offered to arrange a special screening for the judge. The Court is now expected to watch the film before proceeding with further hearings.

The sequel follows the controversial The Kerala Story, which depicted women from Kerala allegedly being recruited into ISIS. Petitioners in the current case have argued that the sequel’s promotional material — including the tagline “ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” — could incite confrontation and disturb public order. Multiple pleas have challenged the CBFC’s certification under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, alleging misrepresentation, regional vilification, and potential communal disharmony.

The matter will now move forward after the scheduled screening, with the Court set to examine the film before taking a call on the pending petitions.

Also Read: Kerala HC questions CBFC over certification of The Kerala Story 2; court to watch film before verdict

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC asks for 15 cuts and modifications in The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond; reduces kiss and rape visuals by 50%

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is all set to release this Friday, February 27, and it has managed to create considerable noise on social media because of its shocking and controversial content. Usually, such films often contain disturbing content and, as a result, are meant for only adult-viewing. Hence, it was a surprise for the trade and industry that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film with a U/A 16+ certificate.

However, the CBFC asked for 16 cuts or modifications in the film. To begin with, the visuals of kissing were reduced by 50%. In short, the lip-lock scene was shortened by 7 seconds. Similarly, the rape scene visuals were also reduced by 50%, that is, by 20 seconds. Two scenes - one of a woman being slapped and the other of a woman's head being hit - were both reduced by 2 seconds.

The visuals of the house of the accused being demolished with a bulldozer were asked to be modified. Three dialogues, at three different places, were modified while a word was asked to be muted. However, no details of these are available in the cut list.

The makers were instructed to add a disclaimer that the film is based on true events. The duration of the static text, presumably a disclaimer, was asked to be increased by 2 minute and 3 seconds, along with voice over. The makers were asked to submit the script, as per script dialogue and also submit proper documents for a true event depicted in the film. Finally, a consent letter was submitted to the CBFC for casting a minor artist in the film.

Once these changes were made, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond was handed over the censor certificate on February 16. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 131.24 minutes. In other words, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is 2 hours, 11 minutes and 24 seconds long.

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is produced by Vipul Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. It stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in leading roles. It releases in cinemas on February 27.

Also Read: Makers of the The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond unveil character posters of Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha and Aditi Bhatia

Anil Kapoor turns fierce in Prime Video’s ‘Subedaar’ trailer; action-drama also stars Radhikka Madan and Mona Singh in key roles

Prime Video has unveiled the trailer of its upcoming Prime Original action-drama Subedaar, headlined by Anil Kapoor. The film features Anil Kapoor as Subedaar Arjun Maurya, a retired army officer navigating life in India’s rugged heartland, where illegal sand mining has created an atmosphere of fear and silence. The narrative follows Arjun’s confrontation with Prince, played by Aditya Rawal, while also delving into his strained relationship with his daughter Shyama, portrayed by Radhikka Madan. The ensemble cast includes Mona Singh, Saurabh Shukla, Faisal Malik and Khushboo Sundar in pivotal roles.

The trailer hints at a tense face-off between Arjun and his adversaries, with the emotional core rooted in a father-daughter dynamic. One of the standout moments features Anil Kapoor delivering the line, “Fauji hai, seene mein goli jhel sakte hai, beizzati nahi.” The film positions itself as a blend of action and personal drama, set against a backdrop of socio-political conflict.

Speaking about the film, Anil Kapoor said, “Playing this character has been one of the most powerful and emotionally demanding experiences of my career. Subedaar Arjun is a man defined by discipline, sacrifice, and deep personal loss, and bringing that to life on screen was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling for me as an actor. It also marks my first collaboration with director Suresh Triveni, Vikram Malhotra and Prime Video. Their commitment to scale, authenticity, and bold storytelling gave us the freedom to tell this story with the intensity it truly deserves. Producing this project was equally important to me because I wanted to give my best, not only as an actor but also as a producer. Being involved creatively behind the scenes allowed me to contribute to the vision of the film in a more holistic way. This journey would not have been possible without the brilliant performances of my co-actors Radhikka, Mona, Saurabh, Aditya, Faisal, and Khushboo, along with the fantastic team behind the lens. I am excited for audiences across India and around the world to experience this raw, fearless and intense story when it premieres exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu across India and over 240 countries and territories on March 5.”

 

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Radhikka Madan added, “My character, Shyama is a young woman dealing with loss, unspoken fear, and quiet strength, while trying to protect herself and navigate a fractured relationship with her father. What I admire about her is that her courage is not loud — it comes from resilience, self-belief, and emotional honesty. Sharing the screen with a veteran like Anil Kapoor sir made this movie truly memorable. His intensity, discipline, and emotional depth as an actor elevated our scenes, and I learned so much just by observing him. Working with Suresh Triveni sir was a dream come true. I have been trying to work with him for the past four years. He is one of the best directors I have worked with. Under his vision and amazing style of direction, the father-daughter equation has become the strong and emotional backbone of the film. Subedaar is an action drama with real heart, and I cannot wait for the audience to experience Shyama’s journey when the film premieres on Prime Video on March 5.”

Director Suresh Triveni described the film as a tribute to the mainstream cinema he grew up watching and highlighted the father-daughter relationship at its core. He also noted that the film explores the challenges of a retired army man adjusting to civilian life while holding on to his values.

With its blend of action and emotional conflict, Subedaar is positioned as a character-driven drama set against a volatile backdrop, set to stream on Prime Video from March 5.

Directed by Suresh Triveni, Subedaar is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor and Suresh Triveni under Opening Image Films, in association with Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN). The screenplay is written by Suresh Triveni and Prajwal Chandrashekar, with dialogues by Suresh Triveni, Saurabh Dwivedi and Prajwal Chandrashekar. The film is set to premiere exclusively on the platform on March 5 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Also Read: Anupam Kher reacts to Anil Kapoor starrer Subedaar trailer before release; says “I was Nishabd” after watching it