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

Vijay Deverakonda - Rashmika Mandanna Wedding EXCLUSIVE: Banana leaf feast and coconut water to add traditional touch, reveals source

As excitement builds around the upcoming wedding of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, new details about the ceremony’s traditional elements have surfaced. A source close to the couple has revealed that the celebrations will incorporate distinct South Indian customs, offering guests an authentic cultural experience.

“Guests at Rashmika vijay wedding are likely to experience a touch of South Indian tradition, with meals served on banana leaves and coconut water being specially arranged as part of the hospitality,” the source shared.

The detail suggests that despite their pan-India popularity and high-profile status, the couple intends to keep the ceremony rooted in regional traditions. Serving food on banana leaves is a customary practice in many South Indian weddings, symbolising prosperity and auspicious beginnings, while coconut water is often associated with purity and welcome.

The couple confirmed their wedding on February 22 via Instagram, announcing that the ceremony will be known as “The Wedding of VIROSH” — a name coined by fans who combined their names years ago. In a heartfelt note, they dedicated the celebration to their supporters, stating that the identity created by admirers had become an integral part of their journey together.

While the emotional announcement garnered significant attention online, preparations now appear to be in full swing. The duo is expected to tie the knot on February 26 in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur, attended by close family and friends. A grand reception is reportedly planned for March in Hyderabad, following an invitation that recently went viral on social media.

Over the years, Rashmika and Vijay have maintained a strong fan following both individually and as a pair, with speculation about their relationship frequently making headlines. By formally acknowledging “VIROSH” as part of their wedding identity, the actors have turned what would typically be a private milestone into a shared celebration with their audience.

With traditional hospitality details now emerging, anticipation continues to grow around what is being described as one of the most talked-about weddings of the year.

Also Read: Photos: Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda spotted at Udaipur airport

Shah Rukh Khan starrer In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, Massey Sahib to Screen at Red Lorry retrospective

The Red Lorry Film Festival, India’s premier destination for world cinema, will present a special retrospective honouring acclaimed filmmaker Pradip Krishen, spotlighting his rare and influential body of work.

Titled A Retrospective Celebrating Filmmaker Pradip Krishen, the showcase will revisit three of Krishen’s most distinctive films: In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, Electric Moon, and Massey Sahib, offering audiences a chance to experience his sharp storytelling.

Pradip Krishen remains one of Indian cinema’s most original filmmakers. His campus cult classic In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, written by Arundhati Roy captured the spirit of 1970s Delhi student life with wit and quiet rebellion. His debut feature Massey Sahib earned international acclaim and launched the career of Raghuvir Yadav, while Electric Moon stood out for its satirical take on post colonial India. Beyond cinema, Krishen stepped away from filmmaking to become one of India’s leading naturalists.

Ashish Saksena, COO Cinemas, BookMyShow and Festival Director, Red Lorry Film Festival, said, “Pradip Krishen’s films occupy a special place in Indian cinema for their originality, intelligence and cultural depth. Through this retrospective, we are proud to bring his landmark works back to the big screen for new and longtime audiences of the Red Lorry Film Festival.”

“This is a pinch-me-to-see-if-I’m-dreaming moment for me! Truly an honour to have all 3 of my films shown together at the Red Lorry Festival in Mumbai. Wonderful to be able to see them return to the big screen,” says filmmaker Pradip Krishen.

The Red Lorry Film Festival will be held from 13 to 15 March in Mumbai and will feature over 120 films from across the world. Festival passes are now available on BookMyShow.

Also Read: Subhash Ghai jokes at Karz screening at Red Lorry Film Festival: “Date during my film and you’ll end up married” – Neetu Kapoor agrees; takes a dig at Filmfare for snubbing Simi Garewal’s performance, says “It’s their LOSS”

After Toxic, Yash steps away from KGF, plans directorial debut

After Toxic, Yash has no plans of returning to the KGF franchise. Shocked as his fans may be to hear this, the superstar will not be doing another KGF film at least not for quite a while. In fact, and you heard it here first, Yash intends to direct a film next.

According to a source very close to the actor, “Throughout Toxic, Yash was a very close collaborator with his director, Geetu Mohandas. You could almost say he was a co-director on the film. His input has gone into almost every sequence. But Yash won’t be taking any credit, as he considers Geetu Mohandas the true and rightful helmer of the project, while he sees himself as just another technician on the team.”

That equation may soon change. The next Yash starrer is likely to be directed by the superstar himself. He already has an idea for the project but prefers to speak about it only after Toxic releases.

Also Read: Zee Music Company bags music rights of Yash starrer Toxic in major 2026 deal with KVN Productions

SCOOP: Sunny Deol-Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Santoshi's Lahore 1947 likely to undergo title change

Sunny Deol began 2026 with a bang with Border 2 and he’s expected to release multiple films this year, all of which look exciting. The most awaited of them is Lahore 1947. It reunites Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi and is produced by Aamir Khan. Aamir will also be seen in the film in a supporting role and it also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal and Shabana Azmi. Due to the stellar team and Sunny’s booming track record, Lahore 1947 is a film that is expected to set the cash registers ringing. However, as per the buzz in the trade, the makers of the film are looking for a change of title.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Lahore 1947 is based on the famous play ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’. Since the film is set in the Pakistani city and during the Independence period, the title Lahore 1947 was initially deemed suitable. But now the makers feel that there can be a better title that is apt for the story of the film.”

The source continued, “Accordingly, they have come up with a few options. Another round of meeting will happen with the stakeholders and if all are on the same page, the name of the film will undergo a change.”

A few days ago, the makers of Lahore 1947 announced that their labour of love would be released on August 13, that is, in the beneficial Independence Day week.

The play, ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’, was written by Syed Asghar Wajahat in 1980. The Partition-era story revolves around a Muslim family which migrates from Lucknow to Lahore and is allotted a haveli vacated by a Hindu family. The old Hindu matriarch refuses to leave her ancestral home and she also strikes a rare bond with the Muslim immigrants.

Also Read: Aamir Khan productions’ Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol, locks Independence week release; deets inside