The Kerala Story 2 Review: The debate surrounding The Kerala Story refuses to fade, and its sequel, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, has reignited nationwide discussions. What began as a contentious social drama in 2023 has now evolved into a more intense and provocative cinematic narrative that continues to divide audiences and critics alike.
Expanding a Controversial Premise
The first film, directed by Sudipto Sen, faced widespread criticism for its portrayal of communal tensions and claims of being inspired by real events. The sequel, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, pushes the narrative further.
The screenplay, written by Shah and Amarnath Jha, centers on themes of interfaith relationships, religious conversion, and demographic anxieties. The film suggests the existence of an organized ideological mission, portraying Muslim male characters as part of a larger conspiracy aimed at converting Hindu women through romantic relationships and marriage.
A cleric character claims that within 25 years, demographic changes could reshape the nation’s identity, reinforcing the film’s central theme of perceived cultural threat.
Character Arcs and Portrayal
Set across cities such as Kochi, Jodhpur, and Gwalior, the story follows three women whose lives take tragic turns after interfaith marriages.
Surekha, played by Ulka Gupta, is shown entering a live-in relationship with Salim, a journalist who initially presents himself as progressive and liberal. However, the narrative later portrays him as deceptive and part of a broader communal agenda.
Divya, an aspiring dancer in Jodhpur, finds herself isolated from her family after marrying Rashid. The film depicts her marital home as oppressive, with expectations placed upon her to bear multiple children.
Neha, a talented javelin thrower in Gwalior, faces the harshest circumstances. After marrying Faizan, she is allegedly trafficked and subjected to severe exploitation, with authority figures shown as indifferent to her plight.
In all cases, the women are renamed after conversion and depicted as enduring physical and psychological abuse. The film also portrays Muslim women as complicit in perpetuating this cycle, reinforcing its controversial tone.
Themes of Law, Faith, and Identity
A recurring theme in the 131-minute Hindi film is the legal right to conversion and the perceived helplessness of families trying to intervene. The screenplay critiques secularism and questions whether modern Hindu families have failed to instill strong religious values in their children.
Visually, the film contrasts brightly lit Hindu households with darker, confined settings representing Muslim neighborhoods, symbolizing a stark moral and cultural divide.
One particularly striking moment features a police officer remarking that victims may “forget their real version,” followed by imagery of a bulldozer advancing toward homes of accused offenders, accompanied by religious chants. The closing song, composed by Mannan Shaah with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir, calls upon historical symbolism and questions how long the majority community will tolerate perceived threats.
Release and Public Reaction
Released during the holy month of Ramzan after a legal tussle, the sequel has drawn sharp reactions. Supporters argue that the film raises uncomfortable but necessary questions, while critics accuse it of promoting stereotypes and deepening social divisions.
Like its predecessor, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond positions itself as a cautionary tale. However, many observers believe it crosses the line from commentary into overt generalization, portraying an entire community through a singular, negative lens.
Final Take
Whether viewed as a bold exposé or a polarising propaganda piece, The Kerala Story 2 undeniably amplifies the discourse it seeks to ignite. By intensifying its themes and dramatic treatment, the sequel ensures that the controversy surrounding the franchise continues — perhaps even more fiercely than before.
