BJP Leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar Denounces 'The Kerala Story 2'

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala, announced on February 23, 2026, that he has no intentions of watching the upcoming Bollywood film, 'The Kerala Story 2'. His comments come as the film’s trailer receives significant backlash for allegedly misrepresenting the state of Kerala.

During a media interaction following the inauguration of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) zonal office in Thrikkakara, Kochi, Chandrasekhar stated, "I’m not at all interested in watching it." This remark indicates his desire to dissociate from the film's contentious narratives.

The trailer of 'The Kerala Story 2' has drawn criticism for its portrayal of inter-religious relationships and its sensationalist depiction of Muslims. Chandrasekhar emphasised the importance of freedom of speech, noting that any illegal content should be scrutinised by the courts. He remarked, "Everyone has the right to make a film. If there is anything illegal in it, the court of law will strike it down."

When questioned about specific content in the film's trailer, he chose not to elaborate, reiterating his lack of interest in viewing the film. On a lighter note, he mentioned enjoying the film 'Dhurandhar', which itself had sparked political debate for allegedly serving the BJP’s interests.

In addition to his comments on the film, Chandrasekhar spoke out against Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, claiming that the government's handling of the Sabarimala gold theft scandal has been inadequate. He referred to a recent bail decision by the Kollam Vigilance Court, which released the chief priest of Sabarimala due to unclear evidence linking him to the theft. The BJP leader expressed that his party lacks trust in the investigation led by the Special Investigation Team assigned to the case.

Chandrasekhar reiterated his previous claims that the arrest of the chief priest was intended to distract public attention from the alleged involvement of Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders in the scandal. He also pointed out that the Congress party has shifted to align with the BJP's stance on the issue, after maintaining silence during discussions in the Kerala Assembly.

As the release of 'The Kerala Story 2' approaches, the film continues to be a central talking point in Kerala, raising discussions about representation, artistic freedom, and political narratives in cinema.