Anurag Kashyap and Kamakhya Narayan Singh clash over ‘The Kerala Story 2’: ‘It’s nonsense propaganda and hate-mongering film’

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and director Kamakhya Narayan Singh have engaged in a public dispute over the proposed sequel to “The Kerala Story,” with Kashyap dismissing the project as propaganda while Singh defends its artistic and social merit.

The controversy began when Kashyap, known for critically acclaimed films like “Gangs of Wasseypur” and “Dev D,” criticized the announced sequel in an interview with a prominent film magazine. “This is nothing but nonsense propaganda and hate-mongering disguised as cinema,” Kashyap stated. “Filmmakers have a responsibility toward society, and such projects only deepen divides rather than foster understanding.”

“The Kerala Story,” released last year, faced significant criticism for its portrayal of women from Kerala being recruited by the Islamic State. Critics argued the film exaggerated figures and reinforced negative stereotypes, while supporters defended it as bringing attention to real-world issues. Despite the controversy—or perhaps because of it—the film performed well at the box office, grossing over ₹300 crore worldwide.

Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who is set to direct the sequel, fired back at Kashyap’s comments. “This is typical elitist arrogance from someone who claims to champion freedom of expression but only when it aligns with his worldview,” Singh said during a press conference in Mumbai. “Our film tells stories that mainstream media often ignores, and we have done extensive research to ensure authenticity.”

Singh, who previously directed the critically acclaimed “Bhor,” emphasized that the sequel would focus on new testimonials and case studies. “We are not creating fiction; we are documenting realities that some people find uncomfortable. Cinema should not shy away from difficult truths,” he added.

The clash between the two filmmakers highlights the growing polarization in Indian cinema, with films increasingly becoming battlegrounds for ideological and political narratives. Industry analysts note that films with nationalist themes have found significant commercial success in recent years, creating a template for producers seeking box office returns.

Veteran film critic Rajeev Masand points out that this trend isn’t unique to India. “Globally, we’re seeing cinema become more politically charged. The question isn’t whether political themes should be explored, but rather how nuanced and factually grounded these explorations are,” Masand explained in his weekly column.

The first film was produced by Sunshine Pictures and directed by Sudipto Sen, with Adah Sharma in the lead role. The sequel is expected to retain much of the original cast and creative team, with Singh joining as director.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) faced criticism for clearing the original film without major cuts despite concerns raised by fact-checkers and social organizations. Several states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, initially banned the film’s screening, though these bans were later overturned by court orders.

The Kerala High Court rejected petitions to ban the film, stating that the film’s disclaimer clearly indicated it was a fictionalized account inspired by true events. However, the court noted that propaganda films should be clearly labeled as such.

The film industry remains divided on the issue. Several prominent filmmakers, including Anurag Kashyap, have expressed concerns about cinema being used to promote divisive narratives. Others, like director Vivek Agnihotri, whose film “The Kashmir Files” sparked similar debates, have defended such projects as necessary to highlight ignored aspects of history.

Production on “The Kerala Story 2” is scheduled to begin in September, with a tentative release date set for mid-2023. The producers have announced plans for a wider international release, targeting diaspora audiences in North America, the UK, and the Middle East.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it underscores the complex relationship between creative expression, commercial cinema, and sociopolitical narratives in contemporary Indian filmmaking.