DYFI Protest Leads to Cancellation of 'The Kerala Story 2' Screening in Kannur
A scheduled screening of the controversial film 'The Kerala Story 2' in Kannur was abruptly cancelled on Saturday following a heated protest by activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). The demonstration escalated into clashes and the destruction of movie posters, ultimately forcing organizers to refund ticket holders and abandon the event.
Violent Demonstration and Symbolic Acts
The protest unfolded when DYFI activists, led by DYFI Thrissur District Committee Secretary K S Russal Raj, marched to the Thrissur Fun Movies theatre. In a symbolic act of defiance, they poured charcoal on posters of the film, which were subsequently torn and burned outside the venue. This aggressive display was part of a broader campaign by DYFI against the movie, which they argue promotes divisive narratives.
'The Kerala Story 2' follows the lives of three young women who, according to the plot, fall into deceptive marriages and face alleged forced religious conversions. The film has sparked intense debate since its trailer release, with critics labeling it as "propaganda" while the filmmakers assert it is based on researched real-life incidents.
Immediate Consequences and Wider Impact
As a direct result of the protest, the screening was called off due to a lack of audience. Theatre management promptly initiated refunds and confirmed that no live screenings would take place inside the mall. Similar cancellations have been reported at other locations, including Cinepolis in Mall of Travancore, Thiruvananthapuram, where rescheduled screenings were halted amid ongoing protests.
Legal Context and Court Rulings
This incident comes just one day after the Kerala High Court lifted an earlier stay on the film's release. Initially, a Single Bench led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had imposed a 15-day stay, but this was revoked by a Division Bench comprising Justices S.A. Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan on Friday. The bench also directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to re-evaluate the film following claims that it contains content spreading hate.
Earlier reports suggested that the film's teaser was removed after court intervention, but the makers have denied these claims. The legal and social turmoil surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2' highlights the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and community sensitivities in Kerala.
The cancellation in Kannur underscores the volatile reception of the film, with DYFI activists vehemently opposing its screening. As protests continue to erupt across the state, the future of the film's theatrical run remains uncertain, pending further legal reviews and public response.
