Sometimes, a film trailer does more than promote a movie as it sparks a political debate and that’s exactly what has happened after the trailer launch of The Kerala Story 2. Within hours of its release online, the sequel found itself at the center of strong criticism including a sharp response from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The sequel which is scheduled to release on February 27, revisits themes of religious conversion and extremism. The first installment titled The Kerala Story which was released three years back had already faced protests and controversy upon its release. Now, the sequel’s trailer has once again triggered political reactions in the state.
CM Raises Strong Objections
Reacting to the trailer, CM Vijayan alleged that the film was made with an “intent to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular tradition.” As per the reports in The Indian Express he said, “The release of a second part of ‘The Kerala Story’ which was made with the agenda of spreading hatred against Kerala and insulting our secular traditions, should be seen seriously.”
The Chief Minister further stated that the first movie was “filled with lies, hate and anti-Kerala propaganda and produced with communal motives,” and claimed that people in the state had rejected it.
He also questioned how “poisonous works produced to spread division and hatred in society” were allowed to be screened, while other films faced restrictions. Calling the sequel a “threat to secularism,” he urged people to stay alert.
“They Are Spreading False Propaganda”
In his detailed statement stated by India.com, Vijayan said, “They are spreading false propaganda by portraying even marriages conducted with mutual consent as examples of communalism and forced religious conversion.”
He added that such forces are hostile towards Kerala, describing the state as one without communal riots and where people of different religions live together with respect. According to him, attempts to portray Kerala as a centre of terrorism must be rejected.
“It is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that Kerala’s secular foundation is not undermined by false propaganda and to reject it by upholding the values of secularism and brotherhood,” he said.
The first film was directed by Sudipto Sen and starred Adah Sharma. Despite bans and protests, it performed strongly at the box office. The Kerala Story 2 is directed by Kamakshya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah.
