Just days after its trailer dropped, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has walked straight back into the political firestorm that surrounded the first film, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan calling on audiences to “reject” the sequel ahead of its February 27 theatrical release.
The controversy reignited on February 19 when Vijayan posted a strongly worded statement on X reacting to reports around the film’s release. “The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film ‘The Kerala Story’ should be seen with utmost gravity,” he wrote. Vijayan added, “Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt.” In the same post, he alleged, “It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged.”
Latest Update: CBFC Clears The Kerala Story 2 With U/A Certificate Amid Backlash
Amid the fresh round of pushback, the Central Board of Film Certification has granted The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond a U/A certificate. The rating means the film can be watched by viewers above the age of 14 with parental guidance, a notable call given the politically charged debate swirling around the subject matter.
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah welcomed the decision in a statement, saying, “Our objective has always been awareness, to inform, and to empower young minds to stay alert and make informed choices. I sincerely thank the Board (CBFC) for their fair and thoughtful consideration in enabling this message to reach the next generation.”
Political criticism has not been limited to the Chief Minister. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal also attacked the film in a Facebook post, alleging that it aims to “insult and communally divide” Kerala by “inventing false stories.” He also objected to the trailer’s depiction involving forced beef consumption, calling it “extremely objectionable” to portray a state known for secularism “in this way.”
Film Details And Where The Controversy Is Landing
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The trailer positions the film around alleged forced conversion rackets, with the narrative stretching beyond Kerala into other regions. The film is set for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026.
The first film, The Kerala Story (2023), starring Adah Sharma, was a major box office success and also faced multiple legal and political challenges around its claims and portrayal.
(Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Rashmika Mandanna And Kriti Sanon To Play A Couple In Cocktail 2 As Shahid Kapoor Anchors The Love Triangle)
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news, and the latest box office news.
Related