A day after the Kerala High Court allowed the screening of ‘Kerala Story 2’, the film saw limited viewership statewide. Despite the legal clearance, advance bookings indicated a subdued public reaction post the pre-release controversy.
The High Court’s decision followed a temporary stay on the film’s release due to content objections. However, a Division Bench’s approval removed the legal obstacle, enabling the movie to hit theatres. The legal tussle had polarized opinions in Kerala but did not translate into significant box-office success.
In various theaters, including Regal Theatre in Kozhikode and Pan Cinemas in Ernakulam, the film witnessed minimal audience turnout. Activists from the Democratic Youth Federation of India staged peaceful protests outside screening venues in Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur, reflecting the film’s political sensitivity.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the film for potentially misrepresenting Kerala, emphasizing the state’s commitment to communal harmony. In contrast, BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan expressed interest in watching the film, highlighting the political divide over its storyline. The film’s muted reception in Kerala raises questions about its reception outside the state.
