20 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Social IssuesNEWS

Kerala political fronts unite against 'The Kerala Story 2' film

Kerala's ruling and opposition fronts condemn film promoting Hindu majoritarian agenda.

The CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-led UDF in Kerala have united against the upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2', condemning it as promoting a Hindu majoritarian agenda and demonizing Muslims. They accuse the film of portraying Muslims as 'love jihadists' who convert Hindu women to Islam. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged caution against the film's divisive messaging, while Congress leader K.C.

Venugopal criticized it as propaganda that politicizes culinary preferences. The film's director claims it's based on real incidents across India, but BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar supports the film's portrayal of 'love jihad'.

Key Facts

The CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-led UDF in Kerala are united against 'The Kerala Story 2'.

They condemn the film as promoting a Hindu majoritarian agenda.

The film is accused of demonizing Muslims as 'love jihadists'.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged caution against the film's divisive messaging.

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticized it as propaganda that politicizes culinary preferences.

The film's director claims it is based on newspaper cuttings from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Issues relating to fundamental rights and freedom of speech

GS Paper I: Communalism, regionalism & secularism

Examine the role of the CBFC in regulating films and its impact on freedom of expression.

In Simple Words

A new movie is causing a stir in Kerala. Politicians from different parties are uniting against it because they believe it promotes a biased view against a particular religious community. They worry the movie will create division and spread misinformation.

India Angle

In India, movies often reflect and influence public opinion. When political groups raise concerns about a film, it can affect how people from different backgrounds view each other, potentially impacting social harmony.

For Instance

Think of it like a neighborhood dispute over a controversial play. Some residents might feel it unfairly portrays their community, leading to protests and calls for changes.

It's important because what we see in movies and media can shape our understanding of the world and influence how we treat others. This affects everyone's daily life and community relations.

Movies can be powerful, but they should be made responsibly to avoid creating division.

Visual Insights

Kerala: Focus of Political Opposition to 'The Kerala Story 2'

This map highlights Kerala, the state where political fronts are uniting against the film 'The Kerala Story 2'.

Loading interactive map...

📍Kerala

More Information

Background

The controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2' highlights the complex interplay between freedom of expression and the potential for films to incite social division. Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but this right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), which includes considerations for public order, decency, and morality. The debate often centers on whether a particular work falls within the protected realm of artistic expression or crosses the line into hate speech or incitement to violence.

Films dealing with sensitive social issues have historically faced scrutiny and opposition in India. The Cinematograph Act of 1952 empowers the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to regulate the public exhibition of films. The CBFC can grant certificates for unrestricted public exhibition (U), exhibition with parental guidance for children under 12 (U/A), or restrict exhibition to adults (A). The CBFC also has the power to refuse certification to films that violate the guidelines set out in the Act, which include concerns about maintaining public order and preventing incitement to offenses.

The term 'love jihad,' often used in the context of these controversies, is not legally defined in India. It is a term used by some to describe an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women to Islam through marriage. This concept has been a source of social and political tension, with some states enacting or considering laws to prevent such conversions. However, the existence and extent of 'love jihad' as a coordinated campaign remain disputed, and the term is often criticized for promoting Islamophobia and undermining individual autonomy in matters of marriage and religion.

Latest Developments

In recent years, several films and web series have faced controversies related to their portrayal of religious or social issues. The CBFC has often been at the center of these debates, with filmmakers and civil society groups criticizing the board for being overly sensitive and imposing arbitrary cuts or restrictions. The judiciary has also played a role, with courts sometimes intervening to overturn or modify the CBFC's decisions, citing the importance of freedom of expression.

Several states have enacted or considered laws related to religious conversion, often framed as measures to prevent forced or fraudulent conversions. These laws have been challenged in courts on the grounds that they violate fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to marry a person of one's choice. The debate over these laws highlights the ongoing tension between individual liberties and the state's interest in maintaining social order.

Looking ahead, the issue of regulating content on online streaming platforms is likely to become increasingly important. The government has introduced regulations to bring these platforms under a common framework, but concerns remain about the potential for censorship and the impact on creative freedom. The balance between protecting freedom of expression and preventing the spread of harmful content will continue to be a key challenge for policymakers and the judiciary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the central issue surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2', and why is it in the news?

The main issue is the film's portrayal of religious conversions and its alleged promotion of a Hindu majoritarian agenda, which has led to political opposition and public debate. It's in the news due to the controversy sparked by its content and the reactions from political parties in Kerala.

2. How do the CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-led UDF view 'The Kerala Story 2'?

Both fronts condemn the film. They believe it promotes a Hindu majoritarian agenda and falsely portrays Muslims as 'love jihadists' who convert Hindu women to Islam.

3. What is 'love jihad' and why is it a controversial term in the context of 'The Kerala Story 2'?

'Love jihad' is a term used to describe an alleged conspiracy of Muslim men targeting women belonging to non-Muslim communities for conversion to Islam through marriage. It's controversial because critics argue it's a baseless conspiracy theory that demonizes Muslims and promotes Islamophobia. The film is accused of using this trope.

4. What are the potential implications of films like 'The Kerala Story 2' on social harmony?

Such films can exacerbate social divisions by promoting stereotypes and mistrust between communities. This can lead to increased tensions, discrimination, and even violence. It is important to consider the impact of artistic expression on social cohesion.

5. What is the role of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in dealing with controversial films?

The CBFC is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. It can grant different ratings (U, U/A, A) or require modifications to a film before certification. The CBFC aims to balance freedom of expression with the need to prevent content that could incite violence, offend religious sentiments, or violate other legal restrictions.

6. How does the controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2' relate to the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression?

The controversy highlights the tension between Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and Article 19(2), which allows for reasonable restrictions on this right in the interest of public order, decency, and morality. The debate centers on whether the film's content falls within the permissible restrictions on free speech.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Article 19 of the Indian Constitution: 1. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. 2. Article 19(2) allows for reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in the interest of public order. 3. The term 'love jihad' is explicitly mentioned as a ground for restricting freedom of speech under Article 19(2). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 19(2) allows for reasonable restrictions on this freedom in the interests of, among other things, public order, decency, or morality. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The term 'love jihad' is NOT explicitly mentioned in Article 19(2) or any other part of the Constitution. The grounds for restriction are related to public order, decency, morality, etc., and not specifically 'love jihad'.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Cinematograph Act of 1952?

A.It empowers the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to regulate the public exhibition of films.
B.The CBFC can grant certificates for unrestricted public exhibition (U).
C.The Act allows the government to directly censor films without CBFC review.
D.The CBFC can refuse certification to films that violate guidelines set out in the Act.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT correct. The Cinematograph Act of 1952 establishes the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as the primary body responsible for certifying films for public exhibition. The government does not have the power to directly censor films without CBFC review. The CBFC examines films and grants certificates based on the guidelines provided in the Act.

3. In the context of recent controversies surrounding films and social issues, what is the primary concern regarding the regulation of content on online streaming platforms?

A.The lack of any regulatory framework for online content.
B.The potential for censorship and the impact on creative freedom.
C.The absence of age-based classification of content.
D.The limited reach of online streaming platforms in rural areas.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary concern regarding the regulation of content on online streaming platforms is the potential for censorship and the impact on creative freedom. While regulations are being introduced to bring these platforms under a common framework, there are concerns that these regulations could be used to stifle creative expression and limit access to diverse perspectives.