The Kerala Story 2 Sparks Row as Director Defends Film Amid Political Criticism

Director Kamakhya Narayan Singh has defended his upcoming film The Kerala Story 2 amid strong criticism from Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala. The filmmaker described the movie as “fact-based” and said it aims to raise awareness about social issues affecting young women.

The film has sparked a political and cultural debate even before its release, with supporters calling it a cautionary narrative and critics accusing it of spreading misinformation and communal division.

Director Says Film Aims to Raise Awareness

Speaking about the backlash, Singh maintained that the film highlights real incidents and is intended to warn young women about exploitation and coercion.

He said the project seeks to sensitise society and encourage awareness about social vulnerabilities. According to him, audiences should examine legal records, news reports, and victim testimonies before judging the film’s message.

The director described cinema as a communication tool and emphasised that the film is meant to inform and alert society.

Trailer Depicts Controversial Themes

The trailer, released earlier this week, portrays young Hindu women allegedly being lured into relationships, forced conversions, and exploitation. The content has triggered strong reactions across political and social platforms.

Singh expressed confidence that audiences would respond positively, citing the response to the first instalment released in 2023.

Kerala CM Calls Film “False Propaganda”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the film, calling it “false propaganda” and warning that it could undermine the state’s tradition of religious harmony.

In a public statement, he said the earlier film attempted to spread hatred and misrepresent Kerala’s secular fabric. He argued that portraying consensual interfaith marriages as forced conversions risks promoting division and communal tensions.

The Chief Minister also warned that external forces may attempt to disrupt social harmony through such narratives.

Certification and Release Plans

The film has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), allowing younger audiences to watch it with parental guidance.

The makers welcomed the certification, saying it would help families and young viewers engage with the film’s message.

Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and co-produced by Aashin A Shah under Sunshine Pictures, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on February 27.

Debate Reflects Broader Social and Political Tensions

The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 highlights broader debates around freedom of expression, responsible storytelling, and the impact of cinema on social harmony.

Supporters frame the film as awareness-driven, while critics argue it risks reinforcing stereotypes and communal divides.

As the release date approaches, the film continues to generate intense discussion across political, cultural, and social platforms.