Prakash Raj Criticises The Kerala Story 2 Debate With Food Harmony Post

Actor Prakash Raj has sparked fresh debate on social media after reacting to the controversy surrounding the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2. The veteran actor shared images of beef, pork and fish dishes while highlighting Kerala’s food culture as a symbol of coexistence and social harmony.

Posting on X, Prakash Raj wrote that the “real Kerala story” lies in how diverse food traditions — including pork, beef, fish and vegetarian sadya — coexist peacefully. His post, accompanied by the hashtag “just asking,” is widely being interpreted as a response to debates triggered by scenes in the film’s trailer.

Film controversy fuels debate

Directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has drawn polarised reactions ahead of its release. The trailer sparked controversy for scenes depicting forced consumption of beef and narratives around religious conversion. Critics argue such portrayals risk reinforcing stereotypes, while supporters say the film addresses real incidents documented in legal cases.

The Central Board of Film Certification has granted the film a U/A certificate, allowing it to release in theatres on February 27.

Industry voices react

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap strongly criticised the film, calling it propaganda and questioning the realism of certain scenes. Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to reject narratives that undermine Kerala’s secular fabric and emphasised the state’s tradition of communal harmony.

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah defended the film, stating it draws from multiple real-life accounts and reflects broader societal issues. According to the makers, the story focuses on three women while incorporating experiences inspired by documented cases.

Food as a symbol of coexistence

Prakash Raj’s post shifted the conversation from controversy to cultural diversity. Kerala’s cuisine is widely recognised for its coexistence of multiple culinary traditions shaped by Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities. By highlighting this diversity, the actor underscored the state’s reputation for pluralism and social coexistence.

Social media reactions remain divided. Some praised the actor for promoting inclusivity and harmony, while others accused him of politicising the issue. The post has nonetheless intensified online discussions about representation, artistic freedom and cultural identity in Indian cinema.

A wider conversation about cinema and society

The ongoing debate around The Kerala Story 2 reflects larger tensions about storytelling, representation and social narratives in films. As the release date approaches, discussions continue to extend beyond cinema into broader conversations about secularism, cultural identity and artistic responsibility.

Prakash Raj’s commentary has added another dimension to the debate — shifting focus from conflict narratives to coexistence and shared cultural spaces.