Theatres empty: Audience rejects 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', screening cancelled at multiple cities

KOCHI: The controversial film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is facing a tepid response in Kerala. Although it was announced to be released in 60 theatres, screenings were cancelled in many places due to a lack of audience. Various organisations protested outside the theatres. Although the release of 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' was stopped by a single bench of the High Court for 15 days, the division bench allowed it to be screened on the appeal of the producers.

Online bookings were also very low. Theatre owners said that the film did not get any audience on Friday and Saturday. The screening at Regal Theatre in Kozhikode was cancelled as only two tickets were sold. It was released in seven theatres in Ernakulam district, including in Kochi city, but saw a muted opening with very low audience turnout. Pan Cinemas recorded just six bookings, and PVR only two for specific shows.

With only 24 people turning up, screening at Kottayam Anaswara Theatre was stopped by DYFI protesters. Evening and night shows were later cancelled.

Owners of Shenoy Theatre in Kochi and Crown Theatre in Kozhikode noted that the first film in 2023 also had a slow initial opening but witnessed a rise in audience attendance and "good collections" later. Owners expressed hope that the trend from the first film would repeat, with audiences increasing in the coming days.