Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday strongly criticised the makers of The Kerala Story 2, alleging that the sequel promotes divisive narratives without factual basis and could spread hatred in society.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Tharoor described the first film, The Kerala Story, as a “hate-mongering film” that lacked foundation. He rejected claims made in the original movie about large-scale religious conversions.
“The first film, Kerala Story, was a hate-mongering film. It lacked any foundation. They were saying that thousands of people were converted, which is not true. I think there were around 30 such cases over a number of years,” Tharoor said.
He added, “Ours is a very big country. If a case occurs here and there, it doesn’t mean you should turn it into a big story and use it as propaganda.”
Questioning the intent behind such films, Tharoor said, “What’s the point of saying things that will only spread hatred in people’s minds and are not even correct?”
READ MORE: All India Muslim Jamaat Opposes The Kerala Story 2, Calls Film “Fake Narrative”
Drawing a contrast with older cinema, he referred to the classic film Amar Akbar Anthony, saying it celebrated harmony among communities. “In our childhood, films like Amar Akbar Anthony used to get entertainment tax exemptions,” he said.
Pinarayi Vijayan Calls Film Part of “Communal Agenda”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised the sequel after its trailer was released. In a post on X, Vijayan said the reports about the sequel to what he called a “hate-mongering film” should be viewed with “utmost gravity.”
“Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt,” he wrote.
He further said, “It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged. We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror. The truth shall always prevail.”
Film, Awards and Legal Scrutiny
The sequel is directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures. It is scheduled to release on February 27.
The first installment was directed by Sudipto Sen and later won awards at the 71st National Film Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography.
However, the sequel is now facing legal scrutiny. A petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court, challenging the trailer and its portrayal of Kerala. The court has issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the film’s producer. The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 24.
