Kerala Story 2 opened to sparse audiences across Kerala, a day after the Kerala High Court allowed its theatrical screening, with advance bookings reflecting low public turnout despite prior controversy.
The Division Bench of the High Court cleared the film for exhibition after a single bench had imposed a 15-day stay over content-related objections. The court’s ruling removed the immediate legal barrier, enabling theatres to screen the film. The legal tussle had intensified public debate, polarising opinion across the state.
Despite the heightened discussion, box-office response remained subdued. At Regal Theatre in Kozhikode, only two tickets were booked for the first show, prompting its cancellation. In Ernakulam district, occupancy in seven theatres remained low, with Pan Cinemas recording six bookings and PVR selling just two tickets for a morning show. Kochi’s Shenoys Theatre also reported negligible attendance.
The release sparked protests from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), outside theatres in Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur. Demonstrations were peaceful, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the film’s content. DYFI activists confirmed that while protests were staged, no audience disruption occurred.
The political divide over the film’s narrative remains evident. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the film, stating that attempts to portray Kerala in a divisive or distorted manner would not be tolerated in a state committed to communal harmony. Conversely, senior BJP leader and former Meghalaya Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan indicated he would watch the film, citing continuity from the first part and the importance of its message.
The muted opening has shifted attention to audience reception outside Kerala, as industry observers monitor whether the controversy will spark broader interest or if the low turnout reflects enduring scepticism.
The film’s release is being closely watched for its cultural and political implications, given the sensitivity around its content and the prior legal proceedings. Industry analysts note that while legal clearance allows screenings, audience engagement often depends on broader public sentiment and political narratives surrounding a release.
As theatres across the state continue to show the film, further data on occupancy in the coming days will provide a clearer picture of its commercial and social impact. The Kerala Story 2 case underscores the complex interplay between judicial decisions, political reactions, and public response in regional cinema.
