The Kerala Story 2 row explained: The scene, the politics, the pushback
India Today
The Kerala Story 2 has sparked fresh controversy after its trailer drew sharp criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who called it "false propaganda." As the film heads toward its February 27 release, the row has reignited discussions on cinema, communal representation and the line between provocation and propaganda.
A week before its release, The Kerala Story 2 has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy, echoing the turbulence that surrounded its predecessor. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film claims that young Hindu women are lured into interfaith marriages, only to be assaulted, stripped of their rights, and forced to convert to Islam.
The trailer has sparked intense debate, drawing political attention as well. On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly criticised the film, calling it "false propaganda" and "poisonous". Soon, a petition was filed in Kerala High Court against the film by a person named Sreedev Namboodiri, a biologist by profession.
The petition challenged the release of the film, leading the Kerala High Court to issue notices to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the film's producer. The court will hear the case on February 24, amid concerns over the film's portrayal of Kerala and potential impact on regional harmony.
But what exactly is the controversy about, and why has a particular scene become the focal point of the discourse?
The debate began after the makers released the trailer earlier this week. It introduces three Hindu women from different parts of India who choose to marry Muslim men against their families' wishes. The narrative then follows their gradual disillusionment: portraying them as isolated from their customs and eventually trapped in loveless, violent marriages.
The trailer frames the film as a cautionary tale. It positions itself as a warning aimed particularly at young women, suggesting that romantic relationships across faiths can lead to loss of identity, faith and autonomy.
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