Political controversy has intensified ahead of the February 27 release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, with senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticising the sequel and accusing its makers of promoting divisive narratives similar to those alleged in the original film.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Tharoor described the first instalment, The Kerala Story, as a “hate-mongering” production that he claimed lacked factual grounding. He disputed the scale of religious conversion figures portrayed in the earlier film, arguing that isolated incidents had been exaggerated into a broader narrative that could fuel social division. According to him, turning limited cases into sweeping claims risks spreading misinformation and deepening communal tensions.
Drawing comparisons with earlier Indian cinema, Tharoor referred to films such as Amar Akbar Antony, which he said emphasised social harmony and unity. He questioned the value of films that, in his view, promote polarisation rather than coexistence, arguing that cinema should contribute positively to society instead of amplifying mistrust.
The sequel, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, expands its storyline beyond Kerala and explores themes of alleged radicalisation and religious conversion across states including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Promotional material released by the filmmakers asserts that the film addresses targeted radicalisation and frames the narrative as a response to perceived injustices, signalling a more confrontational tone than the first instalment.
Legal scrutiny has also emerged alongside political criticism. A petition challenging the film’s trailer and its portrayal of Kerala has been filed before a High Court, which has issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the film’s producer. The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 24, just days before the planned theatrical release.
Chief Minister Vijayan also criticised the project, reiterating his earlier objections to the first film and warning that fabricated narratives capable of inciting communal discord must be viewed seriously. In a public statement, he argued that Kerala’s image as a socially harmonious state was being unfairly portrayed and called for vigilance against attempts that could disturb communal harmony.
The renewed controversy underscores the continuing debate surrounding the franchise, with supporters presenting it as a commentary on security and radicalisation issues, while critics maintain that it risks reinforcing polarisation. As the release date approaches, political reactions and legal proceedings are likely to shape the public discourse surrounding the film.
