Political Debate Intensifies Over ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Release

In a heated political row that continues to escalate, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has sharply criticized the upcoming film “The Kerala Story 2,” describing it as propaganda deliberately crafted to create religious divisions ahead of Kerala’s Assembly elections.

The controversy centers around the film’s promotional material, which reportedly features contentious depictions of a potential beef ban. Brittas has publicly challenged BJP leaders over their conspicuous silence regarding these controversial elements in the film’s promotional campaign.

“This is nothing but a calculated attempt to polarize voters along religious lines,” Brittas stated in his recent public comments. “The timing of this release, strategically planned before the Assembly elections, reveals the true intent behind this production.”

The film has drawn significant backlash for allegedly misrepresenting Kerala’s longstanding tradition of social harmony and peaceful coexistence among different religious communities. According to Brittas, the BJP appears to be leveraging the film as a tool to gain electoral advantage in a state where the party has historically struggled to establish a strong foothold.

“What we’re witnessing is a diabolical game being played out through cinema,” Brittas remarked. “Kerala has always been a model of communal harmony, and this deliberate mischaracterization serves a clear political agenda.”

The controversy has ignited substantial discussion on social media platforms, where many Kerala residents have expressed their displeasure with what they perceive as an attack on the state’s cultural identity. Many online commentators have emphasized Kerala’s well-documented history of religious tolerance and community cooperation, which they feel the film deliberately ignores.

Despite his strong opposition to the film’s content, Brittas has taken a notable stance against any potential ban on the production. Rather than calling for censorship, he advocates for allowing the public to exercise their own judgment.

“Let people see through this propaganda themselves,” he suggested. “Banning it would only give it undeserved attention and potentially martyr status.”

The MP has also raised questions about the film’s commercial performance claims. He suggested that reports of box office success may have been artificially inflated through manipulated ticket sales and strategic marketing—a practice sometimes employed to create a perception of public endorsement.

This controversy follows in the wake of the original “The Kerala Story,” which faced similar criticism for allegedly portraying radicalization in the state. The first film encountered strong opposition from both political entities and civil society organizations in Kerala, who claimed it presented a distorted narrative that did not reflect the state’s reality.

The ongoing dispute highlights the increasingly blurred boundaries between entertainment, political messaging, and electoral strategy in India’s polarized political landscape. It also raises important questions about creative freedom, responsible filmmaking, and the potential impact of cinematic representations on public perception and social cohesion.

Kerala, known for its high literacy rates and politically engaged citizenry, has traditionally maintained a distinct political culture from much of northern India. The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has been a dominant force in the state’s politics for decades, with the BJP attempting to increase its influence in recent years.

As the release date approaches, the controversy is likely to intensify, potentially influencing voter sentiment in a state where cultural and religious identities play significant roles in political affiliation and electoral outcomes.