Despite HC clearance, 'The Kerala Story 2' fails to draw audience to cinemas

The Malayalam-dubbed version of the film was also released later amid controversies.

DYFI activists protest against screening of The Kerala Story 2 in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, following which the screening was cancelled  Photo | Vincent Pulickal

KOCHI: After legal battles, a stay order, and heated discussions on social media over the content of its trailer, The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond was released in theatres on Saturday. However, most of the Malayali audience kept away from watching the movie that hogged headlines for its controversial content.

Following the low audience turnout, shows were cancelled in several theatres across Kerala. “The advance online booking was very low from the very first show. There were only 10 to 15 people in the theatre. In such a situation, it is not a wise decision to screen the film. So shows were cancelled in several theatres,” said Liberty Basheer, president of the Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF).

Meanwhile, DYFI workers staged protests and demonstrations in several theatres against the release of the film. The Kerala Story 2 was released in more than 80 theatres in the state.

The Kerala High Court had initially stayed the film’s release, which was originally scheduled for Friday. The stay was later lifted, and permission for the release was granted by a division bench.

According to K Vijayakumar, the president of the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), controversial films usually draw more audiences in theatres. “When the trailer becomes controversial and triggers a discussion on social media, more people come to the theatre. Since the High Court also intervened, we expected more people.

Because the audience is curious to know what the content of the film is. Here there is no minimum required audience. Shows were cancelled as there were only two or three people to watch the film,” he said.

The Kerala Story 1, which was released back in May 2023, drew more people to the theatres. The Malayalam-dubbed version of the film was also released later amid controversies.

“If there is no audience, we will stop exhibiting the film. The Kerala Story 2 does not have any special priority or consideration. Theatres need a minimum audience to continue screening a film. Also, when there is protest against the screening of the film, it is better not to take risks,” said Basheer, adding that the audience turnout is usually low during Ramzan season.