Pinarayi Vijayan questions how ‘poisonous’ films like ‘The Kerala Story 2’ get screened while others are barred

Pinarayi Vijayan on The Kerala Story 2: The trailer of ‘The Kerala Story 2’ dropped online, and within hours, social media turned into a full-blown debate zone. Some viewers called it a bold film based on true events. Others quickly labelled it “propaganda.” And now, the biggest political voice from Kerala has jumped into the controversy, making the noise even louder.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams the film

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the upcoming film. Reacting soon after the trailer launch, he said the first film in the franchise came with “intent to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular tradition.”

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In a statement released by his office on Wednesday, Vijayan questioned how, according to him, “poisonous works” that spread division and hatred are allowed to be screened, while another film titled ‘Beef’ was reportedly barred from a film festival.

The CM did not hold back. He accused the makers of spreading “false propaganda” by allegedly portraying even mutually consensual marriages as cases of communalism and forced religious conversion. According to him, such narratives are hostile to Kerala’s image.

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Vijayan stressed that Kerala has a long-standing tradition of mutual respect among communities and has not witnessed communal riots. He described those behind such portrayals as “enemies of the state.”

Vijayan further urged people to collectively reject attempts to show Kerala, known for religious harmony, sustainable development, and strong law-and-order systems, as a hub of terrorism. He emphasised that safeguarding the state’s secular foundation and brotherhood is everyone’s responsibility.

About ‘The Kerala Story 2’

‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

The film claims to be based on true events and focuses on the girls allegedly trapped in forced conversion cases. This has become the core of the controversy.

The franchise’s first instalment, ‘The Kerala Story’, was a directorial of Sudipto Sen. It starred Adah Sharma, Sonia Balani, Yogita Bihani, and Siddhi Idnani.

Despite facing bans and heavy controversy over its subject, the film turned out to be massive box office success. Made on modest budget of ₹20 crore, it reportedly collected over ₹300 crore worldwide.

The film also won National Film Awards for Best Director (Sudipto Sen) and Best Cinematography for Prasantanu Mohapatra.