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Kerala’s Culture Minister Saji Cherian has launched a sharp critique against the recently released teaser for “The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond,” claiming the film deliberately misrepresents the state to foment religious divisions.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Cherian condemned what he described as a calculated effort to undermine Kerala’s longstanding reputation for religious harmony and secular values. “From the very first impression, the film appears to be yet another product of the Sangh Parivar’s factory that manufactures lies without any connection to facts,” he wrote, referring to organizations affiliated with right-wing Hindu nationalist ideology.
The minister’s comments reflect growing tension surrounding the film franchise, which has become a flashpoint in India’s increasingly polarized cultural landscape. The first installment of “The Kerala Story” sparked nationwide controversy last year with its contentious portrayal of religious radicalization in the southern state.
According to Cherian, the film’s creators are deliberately portraying Kerala, widely recognized for its progressive social indicators and communal harmony, as “a breeding ground for religious extremism in order to humiliate the state before the world.” He specifically took issue with the film’s apparent propagation of concepts like “love jihad” – a term used primarily by right-wing groups alleging a conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through marriage.
Such allegations have been repeatedly investigated by authorities and courts across India with little evidence found to support systematic religious conversion conspiracies. Despite this, the narrative continues to gain traction in certain political circles.
“The repeated propagation of fake allegations such as ‘love jihad’ and hate-filled dialogues is a deliberate attempt to disrupt Kerala’s atmosphere of peace and harmony,” Cherian stated, emphasizing that freedom of expression should not be used as a “licence to polarize the country or create divisions among people.”
The controversy arrives at a particularly sensitive time for Cherian, who recently faced criticism himself over allegedly communal remarks regarding election winners in Kasaragod municipality and Malappuram district. The minister subsequently apologized, claiming his words had been distorted to appear directed at specific communities.
“The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond,” directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, released its teaser on Friday, reigniting debates about cinematic representation and the boundaries of creative expression in politically charged environments. The first film in the series faced accusations of exaggeration and factual inaccuracies but nonetheless performed well commercially, highlighting India’s divided response to contentious cultural products.
The ongoing controversy underscores the complex intersection of cinema, politics, and religious identity in contemporary India, where creative works increasingly become battlegrounds for competing ideological narratives.
Kerala has historically maintained relative harmony among its diverse religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. The state boasts near-universal literacy and strong development indicators that have earned it recognition as a model for social development despite limited economic resources.
Cherian concluded his statement with a call for unity against divisive narratives: “Kerala will stand united against attempts to reap political benefits by sowing the poisonous seeds of communal hatred.”
As the film moves toward release, observers anticipate continued debate over its content and the broader questions it raises about artistic freedom, historical accuracy, and the responsibilities of filmmakers when addressing sensitive social issues.
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10 Comments
Kerala is known for its religious harmony and progressive social policies. Any attempt to portray it as a ‘breeding ground for extremism’ seems like a clear distortion of reality, as the minister has pointed out.
The minister’s strong condemnation of this film as misinformation is concerning. It’s important that media presents factual, balanced information rather than reinforcing divisive narratives.
I agree. Sensational films that misrepresent a region’s history and culture are counterproductive and can exacerbate social divisions. Responsible filmmaking should aim to foster greater understanding.
This film seems to be a provocative attempt to stir up religious tensions, rather than an objective portrayal of the reality in Kerala. I hope the public can see through such calculated propaganda.
The minister’s condemnation of this film as ‘propaganda’ from the ‘Sangh Parivar’s factory that manufactures lies’ is a serious accusation. If true, it’s deeply troubling to see such politically-motivated misinformation being spread.
Filmmakers have a responsibility to portray social and political issues fairly and objectively. This film seems to be falling short of that standard, as the minister has rightly pointed out.
I agree. Promoting divisive narratives through the guise of art or entertainment is concerning. Constructive dialogue and mutual understanding should be the goal, not reinforcing prejudices.
The minister’s strong rebuke of this film’s ‘calculated effort to undermine Kerala’s secular values’ is understandable. Misrepresenting a region’s history to score political points is unethical.
It’s worrying to see this kind of inflammatory rhetoric being used to promote a film. Responsible media should strive for nuance and accuracy, not sensationalism that fuels polarization.
Well said. Promoting religious divisions through distorted narratives is highly irresponsible and goes against the inclusive spirit that Kerala is known for.