Mumbai’s film circles are buzzing as the Hindi trailer of ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ dropped on February 18, igniting a firestorm of controversy. Makers followed up swiftly, releasing Telugu and Kannada versions on Thursday, amplifying the anticipation ahead of its February 27 theatrical debut.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has led the charge against the film, branding it a dangerous propaganda that threatens secular values. In a strongly worded post on X, he urged a statewide boycott, recalling the first film’s alleged communal agenda and fabrications. ‘Kerala, having seen through the lies of the first part, will once again reject this attempt to tarnish secularism,’ he declared.
Vijayan didn’t stop there. He lambasted the selective freedom given to divisive narratives while critical artistic expressions are stifled. ‘We must unite to oppose these efforts turning our harmonious land into a terrorist hub. Truth will prevail,’ he added, signaling potential roadblocks for the film’s release in Kerala.
Producer Vipul Shah hit back, asserting that opponents are desperate to bury the truth. In recent interviews, he emphasized that the film exposes not just culprits but terrorists preying on Hindu girls’ lives. ‘They’ll hate being exposed and label it false,’ Shah said.
The original ‘The Kerala Story’ faced bans and protests in several states but soared to box-office success. With multi-language releases planned, expectations are sky-high for this sequel to replicate that triumph amid the escalating row.