The production of ‘The Kerala Story’ wasn’t just about filming intense scenes; it was a journey that touched raw nerves for everyone involved. Lead actress Adah Sharma recently opened up about a pivotal moment on set when the entire team broke down in tears during the shooting of the infamous ‘telephone scene.’
This scene, central to the film’s narrative on radicalization and forced conversions, depicted a harrowing phone conversation that mirrored real-life tragedies. As Adah recounted in a candid interview, the dialogue hit too close to home. ‘We were all in character, but suddenly it felt too real,’ she shared. The script, inspired by true events, forced the actors to confront unimaginable pain.
Director Sudipto Sen had meticulously recreated the atmosphere of despair. The set buzzed with anticipation before the take, but as Adah delivered her lines—pleading over the phone with a voice cracking under fear—the dam broke. Crew members, who had read reports of similar incidents, couldn’t hold back. ‘Even the cameraman was sobbing,’ Adah revealed, highlighting how the scene transcended fiction.
What made it so powerful? Adah explained that they drew from survivor testimonies and news clippings. Every word was weighted with authenticity. Post-shoot, the team huddled in silence, processing the emotional weight. This vulnerability fueled the film’s raw impact, which later sparked nationwide debates.
Adah’s revelation sheds light on the human cost of storytelling. ‘The Kerala Story’ didn’t just entertain; it forced a nation to face uncomfortable truths. As controversies rage on, these behind-the-scenes glimpses remind us of the passion driving such bold cinema.