The trailer of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has sparked divided reactions within a day of its release. Even as the debate around the film intensifies, it has secured a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
With a U/A certificate, the film can be viewed by audiences above the age of 14 under parental guidance. Given the sensitive and politically charged themes the film deals with, many expected it to receive an ‘A’ (adults only) rating. The comparatively lenient certification has been welcomed by the makers.
The sequel explores the story of girls allegedly trapped in forced conversion rackets. According to the filmmakers, the narrative is rooted in real cases from the Indian legal system.
As reported by Hindustan Times, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah responded to the CBFC’s decision, stating, “I am truly grateful to the Censor Board for granting a UA certificate to our film. It reflects their faith in the intent and integrity with which we have told this story. This decision is especially important because it allows us to reach young girls and families across the country.”
Meanwhile, the film continues to face backlash over its portrayal of religious conversion. Its predecessor, The Kerala Story, had drawn sharp criticism from sections of the public who argued that it exaggerated incidents for dramatic impact.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the film, describing it as “poisonous propaganda.”
Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal on Thursday alleged that the upcoming movie ‘Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ seeks to "insult and communally divide" Kerala by "inventing false stories" about people being forced to eat beef in the state.
Referring to the film’s trailer, Venugopal, who also serves as the Member of Parliament from Alappuzha, claimed that it was a "planned move" to create global misunderstanding about Kerala.
In a Facebook post, he further stated that the BJP-led central government, which had honoured the first installment — "which was based solely on lies" — with a national award, was encouraging such campaigns. "The central government's action officially recognising and promoting fake works that mock an entire state, is a threat to democracy itself. Such lies sponsored by the Sangh Parivar cannot break the secular mind of Kerala," Venugopal contended in his post.
Despite the controversies, the first film, ‘The Kerala Story,’ went on to win Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards. The sequel is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, and its teaser was released recently, reigniting public debate.
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