Quick Read

“The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond” is scheduled for theatrical release on February 27, 2026.The sequel expands its plot to cover alleged manipulative conversions across multiple Indian states.Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly condemned the film as “propaganda” and “greedy.”The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to producers concerning a writ petition challenging its CBFC certification.Online, a controversial beef scene in the trailer sparked humorous responses from Malayali netizens.

KOCHI (Azat TV) – The highly anticipated sequel, ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’, is igniting intense controversy and facing legal challenges just days before its scheduled theatrical release on February 27, 2026. Expanding its narrative significantly beyond the original film’s scope, the movie delves into sensitive subjects of alleged manipulative conversions across multiple Indian states, drawing accusations of propaganda and raising concerns over potential communal discord.

The film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, has quickly become a focal point of public and legal debate, echoing the contentious reception of its 2023 predecessor. Critics, including prominent filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, have lambasted the sequel, while its producers defend its expanded focus as an effort to expose a wider national conspiracy.

The Expanding Narrative of ‘The Kerala Story 2’

Almost three years after the original ‘The Kerala Story’, the sequel, titled ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’, aims to broaden its thematic and geographical reach. While the first film primarily focused on alleged forced conversions in Kerala, the new installment portrays women from various Indian states who are reportedly trapped in relationships and coerced into religious conversion. Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah clarified to ANI that the film’s title, despite its wider scope, reflects a shared central theme with the original, aiming to expose a ‘massive conspiracy of manipulative conversion going on throughout India.’ Shah emphasized that the filmmakers are not against any particular religion but are committed to bringing to light cases where women are allegedly deceived into marriages with malicious intentions, even referencing claims of ‘rate cards’ for such conversions.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Slams ‘The Kerala Story 2’

The film has drawn sharp criticism from within the Bollywood industry, most notably from acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. During a recent media interaction in Kochi, Kashyap bluntly labeled ‘The Kerala Story 2’ as ‘bullsh*t propaganda.’ He further suggested that the film’s makers are driven by greed, stating, “They just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money.” Kashyap also satirized a controversial beef scene depicted in the trailer, questioning its authenticity by remarking, “Aisa beef kaun khilata hai? Aisa koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai (Who feeds someone beef like this? No one is fed even khichdi in this manner).”

Controversy Surrounds ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Certification

Adding to the film’s contentious rollout, the Kerala High Court served notice last week to the producers of ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ regarding a writ petition. This petition challenges the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and objects to specific elements in its teaser and trailer. The petitioner argues that the film’s promos, despite depicting a multi-state plot, unfairly attribute terrorism, forced conversions, and population plots exclusively to Kerala through its title. A key point of contention is the teaser’s final Hindi line, “Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge (We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight),” which the petitioner claims urges revenge and risks inciting communal riots. The CBFC is accused of overlooking Cinematograph Act Section 5B(1952), which prohibits certification for content that harms public peace, morals, or decency, or encourages crimes. The plea also references a 2023 Supreme Court ruling concerning the first ‘The Kerala Story’, where makers had to add a disclaimer admitting some numbers were unverified and the story was fictionalized. The petitioner asserts that the sequel’s CBFC approval was granted too easily, neglecting potential harms to community peace and state pride.

Online Reactions to ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Trailer

The debate surrounding ‘The Kerala Story 2’ has also spilled into the online sphere, taking an unexpected and humorous turn. Following the release of the trailer, which includes a scene implying Hindu women in Kerala are ‘forced’ to eat beef, Malayali netizens responded with a wave of witty comments. On the film’s official Instagram page, comment sections were flooded with detailed recipes for beef roast and beef curry. Users shared instructions for Kerala-style beef fry, complete with notes on roasted coconut slices and spices, while others playfully remarked, “Eat beef, stay strong,” and celebrated the popular dish of beef ularthiyathu with Malabar porotta. These tongue-in-cheek responses have gone viral, creating a culinary counterpoint to the film’s controversial claims and highlighting a cultural pushback against its narrative.

The confluence of legal challenges, industry criticism, and unique public responses underscores the deep societal divisions and heightened sensitivities surrounding films that tackle such charged religious and social narratives in India.