Anurag Kashyap Blasts 'The Kerala Story 2' as Propaganda, Court Steps In
Nearly three years after the original film sparked nationwide debate, the makers of 'The Kerala Story' are returning with a sequel titled 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond'. The announcement has reignited controversy, with many questioning the factual basis of the tagline "inspired by many true events." In a recent media interaction, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap did not mince words, labeling the project "propaganda" and accusing its creators of greed.
Kashyap's Blunt Airport Remarks
Anurag Kashyap, while at Kochi airport, was approached by reporters about the brewing controversy surrounding the film produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. Kashyap responded with characteristic candor, stating, "The Kerala Story is bullsh*t propaganda." He elaborated on his criticism, particularly targeting a viral beef scene from the trailer.
"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)," Kashyap remarked, questioning the authenticity of the portrayal. He further asserted, "They just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money."
Kerala High Court Issues Notice
Adding legal weight to the controversy, the Kerala High Court last week served notice to the producers of 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' regarding a writ petition challenging the film's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court acted while hearing a plea that objects to the teaser and trailer, raising significant concerns about content and representation.
The petitioner argues that the promos depict women from various states being trapped in relationships and coerced into religious conversion. Despite the narrative spanning multiple states, the title specifically associates terrorism, forced conversions, and population plots with Kerala alone. A particularly contentious element is the teaser's final Hindi line—"Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge (We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight)"—which is viewed as inciting revenge and potentially triggering communal riots.
The petition accuses the CBFC of violating Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act (1952), which prohibits certification for content that could harm public peace, morals, or decency, or encourage criminal activities. It also references the 2023 Supreme Court controversy over the first film, where makers added a disclaimer admitting some numbers were unverified and the story was fictionalized.
According to the petitioner, the sequel received CBFC approval too hastily, without adequate scrutiny of its potential impact on community harmony or state pride, despite previous legal challenges. The plea seeks to revoke the certification, review the title and warnings, and halt the release for further examination.
Producer Defends Film's Title
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has defended the film's title, clarifying that while it is not a direct sequel, it shares the central theme with its predecessor. In a statement to ANI, Shah explained, "Kerala Story 2 goes beyond Kerala and exposes the massive conspiracy of manipulative conversion going on throughout India. Because its central theme is the same as Kerala Story 1, we named it Kerala Story 2."
Shah added, "Till now, there has been no threat to this film. When you are telling the truth, perhaps you are not in that much danger because people feel that if we threaten a person who tells the truth, there could be backlash."
Kashyap's Professional Endeavors
On the professional front, Anurag Kashyap is currently preparing for the release of his highly anticipated film 'Kennedy', starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone. The film is slated for its India premiere on ZEE5, marking another significant entry in Kashyap's diverse filmography.
The entertainment landscape continues to evolve, with films like 'The Kerala Story 2' stirring debates that intersect with society, politics, and cultural narratives. As this controversy unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between creative expression, factual accuracy, and social responsibility in Indian cinema.
