The trailer for The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has reignited controversy even before its theatrical release. The sequel to the 2023 film The Kerala Story is once again drawing sharp criticism for its portrayal of Kerala and themes surrounding forced religious conversion.
Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film’s latest trailer includes a scene in which a Hindu woman refuses to eat beef amid a backdrop of alleged forced conversion. That moment, brief but pointed, has triggered widespread online reactions, especially from Malayali audiences.
Political Reaction
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has described the film as “anti-Kerala propaganda,” warning that it threatens the state’s secular fabric.
According to reports, Vijayan said the earlier film aimed to spread hatred and undermine Kerala’s tradition of communal harmony. He criticized works that promote division and called such narratives harmful to the social fabric of the state.
The remarks have intensified the debate over cinema’s role in shaping political and social perception.
Social Media Pushback
Online reaction has been swift and often satirical. Many Malayali social media users, particularly women, posted memes and videos humorously responding to the beef-related scene in the trailer. Several shared clips of themselves eating beef, referencing Kerala’s widely popular beef-porotta dish.
AI-generated videos and references to Malayalam films such as Godha, Premam, and Hridayam circulated widely, framing the controversy as disconnected from everyday cultural realities in the state.
The backlash highlights how regional audiences are increasingly using digital platforms to counter narratives they view as misrepresentative.
A Repeat of 2023
This is not the first time the franchise has faced controversy. The original The Kerala Story sparked national debate in 2023 over its depiction of religious conversion and its alleged political undertones.
Despite protests and criticism, the first film went on to receive awards, including recognition at the 71st National Film Awards. Parallel social campaigns such as “The Real Kerala Story” emerged, emphasizing Kerala’s multicultural identity and interfaith coexistence.
Release Details
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is scheduled for release on February 27. The sequel stars Ulka Gupta in the lead role.
As the release date approaches, discussion around the film continues to intensify. The debate now extends beyond box office expectations and into broader questions about representation, regional identity, and the political impact of cinema.
Makers of The Kerala Story 2 Go Beyond’ unveil trailer, say ‘this time, we do not stay silent.’
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