Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly voiced strong criticism against the upcoming film "The Kerala Story 2," labeling it as "bakwaas propaganda" and "bullshit propaganda." Kashyap's remarks, made while attending the Filmfare Awards in Kochi, target the film's perceived intent and specific scenes, particularly one involving the consumption of beef. Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has defended the film, stating it is based on legal cases and aims to expose a nationwide conspiracy, while Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also condemned the movie for its alleged intent to spread hatred.
Background of the Controversy
The trailer for "The Kerala Story 2," produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, has drawn significant backlash. The film is presented as a story about three girls, with producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah explaining that the title was chosen because its central theme mirrors that of the first film, "The Kerala Story." Shah asserts the film is based on true cases from the Indian legal system and claims it exposes a nationwide conspiracy of manipulative conversion, even though its title associates these issues exclusively with Kerala. The film has secured a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a decision that has also drawn scrutiny, with the Kerala High Court issuing a notice regarding the certification.
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Kashyap's Direct Criticism
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has been vocal in his disapproval of "The Kerala Story 2."
He called the film "bakwaas propaganda" and "bullshit propaganda."
Kashyap specifically questioned a scene in the trailer depicting a character being fed beef, exclaiming, "Aise koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai" (Who feeds someone beef like this?). He further elaborated that "Aise to log Khichdi bhi nahi khilate" (People don't even feed khichdi like this).
He accused the makers of being greedy, stating, "He just wants to make money." This sentiment was echoed in statements like, "The filmmaker is a greedy man, just wants to make money."
Defense and Counterarguments
Producers of "The Kerala Story 2" have offered explanations for the film's narrative and title.
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah stated that the film is based on true cases from the Indian legal system and that the chosen stories were presented as they are.
Shah also defended the film's title, explaining that while it is named "The Kerala Story 2" because of its thematic connection to the first film, the story itself aims to expose a nationwide conspiracy.
Despite the alleged storyline spanning several states, the film's title has been criticized for linking incidents of terrorism and forced conversion exclusively to Kerala.
Wider Reactions and Context
Beyond Kashyap's comments, "The Kerala Story 2" has faced broader criticism.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a strong statement condemning the film, calling it an attempt to "spread hatred against Kerala and undermine its secular traditions." He further expressed shock that "fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged."
Actor Prakash Raj shared images of Kerala's beef dishes on social media platform X, with captions highlighting the cultural and culinary diversity of Kerala, including beef, implicitly countering the film's narrative. He wrote, "The real Kerala Story is how… ‘In its mouth-watering culinary journey, Kerala’s yummy Syrian Christian beef fry and the coconut beef have added legacy, history and culture to the recipe.’ Please try and relish." He followed this with another post stating, "The real Kerala Story is how pork, beef and fish coexist with vegetarian sadya and all of them live in harmony. Please relish happy Sunday everyone."
The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to the producers regarding the film's certification, considering petitions that object to the teaser and trailer.
Evidence of Criticism and Defense
| Actor | Statement | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Anurag Kashyap | Called the film "bakwaas propaganda," "bullshit propaganda," and stated, "He just wants to make money." Questioned the beef-eating scene: "Aise koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai." | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Vipul Amrutlal Shah | Stated the film is based on true legal cases and aims to expose a nationwide conspiracy. Defended the film's title due to its connection to the first film's theme. | 1, 4, 6 |
| Pinarayi Vijayan | Condemned the film for attempting to "spread hatred against Kerala and undermine its secular traditions." | 3, 6, 8 |
| Prakash Raj | Shared images of Kerala's beef dishes, highlighting their cultural significance and coexistence with other food items, as a counter-narrative. | 3 |
Conclusion and Implications
Anurag Kashyap's direct and strong criticism of "The Kerala Story 2" adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the film's content and alleged intentions. His remarks, coupled with statements from Kerala's Chief Minister and actor Prakash Raj, highlight significant concerns regarding the film's portrayal of Kerala and its potential to incite communal discord. Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah's defense emphasizes the film's basis in legal cases and its purported aim to reveal a broader conspiracy. The Kerala High Court's notice regarding the film's certification indicates that the controversies are not confined to public discourse but are also entering legal review. The film's release is scheduled for February 27, with the controversy likely to persist.
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Most Used Sources & Context:
Hindustan Times: Published 38 minutes ago. Article discusses Anurag Kashyap's criticism of "The Kerala Story 2," focusing on his "bakwaas propaganda" label and his reaction to a beef-eating scene. It also mentions producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah's defense and Kerala CM's stance.
Outlook India: Published 2 hours ago. This article also covers Anurag Kashyap's criticism, referring to the film as a "propaganda film" and quoting his statement about the makers being greedy. It highlights the controversy around the beef scene.
Indian Express: Published 39 minutes ago. Reports on industry backlash against "The Kerala Story 2," detailing Anurag Kashyap's "propaganda" label and Prakash Raj's social media response involving beef fry images. It also references Kerala CM's statement.
Mid-Day: Published 5 hours ago. Features Anurag Kashyap's strong criticism of "The Kerala Story 2" as a "bullshit propaganda film" and notes his comment on the beef scene. It includes producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah's justification for the film's title.
Livemint: Published 2 hours ago. Covers Anurag Kashyap calling "The Kerala Story 2" "propaganda" and his reaction to the viral beef scene. It mentions he was questioned about the film at the airport in Kochi.
NewsBytes: Published 8 hours ago. Reports that Anurag Kashyap called "The Kerala Story 2" "propaganda" and accused the makers of being greedy. It also mentions Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism and Vipul Shah's defense of the title.
Link: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-slams-the-kerala-story-2/story
Box Office Worldwide: Published 8 hours ago. Details Anurag Kashyap's "bullsh*t propaganda" assessment of "The Kerala Story 2," linking it to the Kerala High Court issuing a notice over CBFC certification.
Free Press Journal: Published 1 hour ago. Features Anurag Kashyap's strong reaction, calling the film "Ch**iya Picture, It's Shit" and "propaganda." It reiterates his view of the filmmakers as greedy and touches upon Kerala CM's criticism.
