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In an unusually blunt critique, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly denounced the upcoming film “The Kerala Story 2,” characterizing it as divisive propaganda crafted for commercial gain rather than artistic merit.
Speaking to reporters in Kochi, where he attended the Filmfare Awards South, Kashyap didn’t temper his criticism of the controversial sequel slated for theatrical release on February 27. He dismissed the original “The Kerala Story” as a subpar film and described its follow-up as “total bull** propaganda” and “bakwaas picture” (nonsense film).
The film’s recently released trailer has already sparked heated debate across social media and film circles. Kashyap specifically targeted a contentious scene depicting a protagonist being forcibly fed beef by a Muslim family, questioning the scene’s credibility. “Who feeds someone beef like this? No one is fed even khichdi in this manner,” he remarked, highlighting what he perceives as the film’s implausible portrayal of intercommunal relations.
Kashyap’s criticism extended beyond the film’s content to its creators’ motives. He accused the filmmakers of exploiting divisive themes purely for financial benefit, stating, “They just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money.”
The sequel, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, continues the controversial narrative established in the first film, which faced criticism for its portrayal of Kerala and its religious dynamics. The original film stirred significant controversy in 2023 for its depiction of Hindu women being recruited into terrorist organizations.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also joined the chorus of criticism, condemning the film in strong terms. Vijayan urged citizens to reject what he characterized as false representations of Kerala as a hotbed of extremism. The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s long-standing traditions of religious harmony, sustainable development, and effective law enforcement, calling on Keralites to safeguard these secular values against misleading portrayals.
In response to the mounting criticism, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah defended the film in a statement to Hindustan Times. He claimed that the narrative draws from actual cases documented in India’s legal system, explaining that while the story focuses on three women, it incorporates elements from numerous other incidents to present a broader picture of similar situations across India.
The Central Board of Film Certification has granted “The Kerala Story 2” a U/A certificate, indicating it’s suitable for viewers above 12 years with parental guidance. This rating suggests the board found the content acceptable for broader audiences despite its controversial themes.
The growing controversy mirrors the reception of the first film, which polarized audiences and critics alike. Some praised it for highlighting what they considered underreported issues, while others condemned it as inflammatory and misleading.
The backlash against “The Kerala Story 2” reflects broader tensions in India’s film industry, where projects addressing sensitive religious and political themes increasingly face intense scrutiny from various stakeholders including filmmakers, politicians, and audiences.
As the release date approaches, the film continues to generate polarized reactions, with defenders citing artistic freedom and critics warning about the potential social impact of contentious portrayals in an already complex sociopolitical landscape.
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6 Comments
As a film enthusiast, I’m concerned about the potential for divisive propaganda in this sequel. Kashyap’s critique highlights the importance of nuanced, balanced storytelling that avoids sensationalism and stereotypes.
I agree, the filmmakers should be mindful of the social impact of their work and strive for authenticity over sensationalism.
It’s troubling to see a respected filmmaker like Kashyap call out this film as propaganda. The portrayal of intercommunal relations needs to be handled sensitively and accurately.
Kashyap raises valid points about the credibility of the scenes depicted. Filmmakers have a responsibility to present a fair and truthful narrative.
Kashyap’s blunt assessment of the film as ‘total bull** propaganda’ is a concerning indictment. The public deserves cinema that enlightens, not divides, on sensitive sociopolitical issues.
I share Kashyap’s skepticism about the filmmakers’ motives. Exploiting divisive themes for commercial gain is highly problematic and undermines the art of filmmaking.