The release of ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ trailers in Hindi on February 18, followed by Telugu and Kannada cuts, has thrust the film back into the controversy spotlight. Set for a February 27 nationwide rollout, it’s already drawing sharp political ire from Kerala.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the project as hate propaganda endangering secularism. Taking to X, he rallied for a boycott, pointing to the original film’s debunked claims and divisive intent. ‘Kerala knows the communal agenda and won’t let secular values be eroded again,’ he posted.
Expanding on his stance, Vijayan decried the double standards: freedom for riot-inciting fictions versus censorship of true art. ‘Let’s stand together against plots to brand our land a terror den. Victory belongs to truth,’ he concluded, hinting at release disruptions in the state.
Producer Vipul Shah remains unfazed, claiming detractors aim to conceal atrocities against Hindu girls by terrorists posing as mere criminals. ‘Exposing them naturally provokes denial,’ he noted in interviews.
The first installment weathered bans and protests across states, ultimately achieving blockbuster status. With regional dubs enhancing reach, ‘The Kerala Story 2’ eyes similar glory, even as Kerala’s resistance brews.