Controversy Surrounds 'The Kerala Story 2' Ahead of Release

The upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond' is facing scrutiny and controversy ahead of its scheduled release on February 27, 2026. This sequel to the original film, which stirred significant debate during its release, has prompted responses from political leaders and legal challenges in the Indian state of Kerala. Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has taken a stand against criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the film's content.

Chandrasekhar stated, "Go to court, don't threaten people," urging that allegations surrounding the film be addressed through legal channels rather than public threats. The film's narrative, which touches on issues of religious conversion, has resulted in complaints that it promotes divisive and misleading narratives. These concerns were notably echoed by senior Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, who labelled the first instalment of the series as a "hate-mongering film" lacking factual basis.

He further expressed apprehension that the sequel would continue to spread division among communities. Tharoor remarked on the exaggerations presented in the original film regarding religious conversions, asserting that instances cited were misrepresented. The Kerala High Court has intervened in response to a petition filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, a resident of Kannur, who challenged the Central Board of Film Certification's decision to issue a censor certificate for the film.

The petition expressed concern that the film portrays narratives involving women from various states while suggesting that incidents of terrorism and forced conversion are exclusive to Kerala, potentially stigmatising the state's population. The Court has issued notices to the film's producers and the certification board, with an initial hearing scheduled for February 24. Amid these developments, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for a careful examination of the film, labelling the original 'The Kerala Story' as a product of falsehoods seeking to incite communal disharmony.

He emphasised the importance of countering narratives that portray Kerala as a region of conflict rather than celebrating its diverse cultural heritage. The juxtaposition of political, legal, and public reactions illustrates the contentious atmosphere surrounding the release of 'The Kerala Story 2', raising critical questions about freedom of expression, communal harmony, and the responsibilities of filmmakers in sensitive socio-political contexts.