The recent release of the trailer for 'The Kerala Story 2' has ignited a significant debate, with prominent political figures in Kerala alleging that the film is designed to spread false narratives and tarnish the state's image. Key leaders, including Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, have voiced strong objections, characterizing the movie as an attempt to promote hatred and undermine the state's secular fabric.
Political Leaders Voice Concerns Over Film's Intent
The trailer for 'The Kerala Story 2' has prompted sharp criticism from senior political figures in Kerala. K.C. Venugopal, a Member of Parliament from Alappuzha and a Congress general secretary, stated that the film is a "planned move" to create global misunderstanding about the state. He further suggested that the film, building on the foundation of the first part, which he described as "based solely on lies," is being supported by the BJP government, which he claims is fueling "hate campaigns."
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K.C. Venugopal's statement: The trailer is a "planned move" to create a global misunderstanding about Kerala.
Allegation of support: The BJP government, which honored the first film with a national award, is accused of fueling hate campaigns.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed these sentiments, asserting that the film's objective is to "tarnish Kerala's secular image." He has called for serious attention to the release of the second part, stating it was made with an "agenda of spreading hatred against Kerala and insulting our secular traditions."
CM Vijayan's assertion: The film aims to tarnish Kerala's secular image and spreads hatred.
Seriousness of release: The second installment is viewed as a continuation of a harmful agenda.
Framing of 'The Kerala Story 2' as Propaganda
The core of the controversy lies in the perception that 'The Kerala Story 2' is not a work of fiction but a tool for spreading propaganda and divisive messages. Critics argue that the film seeks to portray Kerala, a state known for its religious harmony, as a center of terrorism and communalism.
"The release of a second part of ‘The Kerala Story’, which was made with the agenda of spreading hatred against Kerala and insulting our secular traditions, should be seen seriously.” – Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala
The trailer's content has been described as "false propaganda" and a "threat to secularism" by CM Vijayan. This perception is compounded by the fact that the first film, 'The Kerala Story,' also faced similar accusations of spreading misinformation, yet it received recognition at the National Film Awards, specifically for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards.
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"False propaganda" and "threat to secularism": Terms used by CM Vijayan to describe the film.
Contrasting recognition: The first film's National Award wins are seen by some as legitimizing a narrative they deem harmful.
Political Debate Over Film Screening and State Image
The criticism of 'The Kerala Story 2' has deepened the political discourse surrounding freedom of expression versus the need to protect the state's image and social harmony. Chief Minister Vijayan pointed to a perceived double standard, questioning how films that "spread division and hatred in society" receive approval for screening, especially when other films, such as one titled Beef, faced hurdles for their titles alone.
“What's in the trailer of The Kerala Story 2? …we must collectively reject attempts to portray Kerala, a land of religious harmony that stands at the forefront of sustainable development and is a model in maintaining law and order, as a centre of terrorism.” – Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala
Question of screening approval: A perceived inconsistency in approving films that allegedly promote division versus those facing scrutiny.
Call for collective rejection: An appeal to reject attempts to misrepresent Kerala.
Both Venugopal and Vijayan have urged the public to "reject hate campaigns" and uphold the values of truth, secularism, and brotherhood. The timing of these statements, following the trailer's release, indicates a proactive effort to counter what they perceive as a concerted effort to damage Kerala's reputation.
First Installment's Legacy and National Recognition
The controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story 2' is intrinsically linked to the reception and accolades received by its predecessor. The first film, 'The Kerala Story,' achieved significant recognition by winning awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards. This national recognition for a film accused of being based on falsehoods has been highlighted by critics like K.C. Venugopal as indicative of a larger agenda.
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"National award for ‘The Kerala Story’ exposes the ‘rotten agenda’, film deserves to be in dustbin: KC Venugopal" – Headline reflecting K.C. Venugopal's strong stance.
National Award impact: The awards are viewed by critics as lending credibility to a controversial narrative.
Venugopal's view: The film and its recognition are seen as evidence of a "rotten agenda."
This prior validation appears to fuel the current objections, suggesting that 'The Kerala Story 2' is perceived not as an isolated incident but as part of a continued effort to shape perceptions through cinema.
Expert Analysis and Unanswered Questions
While political leaders have voiced strong opinions, the specific claims made in the trailer of 'The Kerala Story 2' and their basis in fact remain a subject of debate. The film is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. The allegations center on the film's intent and potential impact on Kerala's societal fabric and global perception.
Nature of claims: Are the alleged false stories and propaganda factually demonstrable, or are they matters of interpretation and narrative framing?
Artistic intent vs. political interpretation: How is the line drawn between cinematic expression and the deliberate propagation of a divisive agenda?
Broader implications: What are the potential consequences for Kerala's image and social cohesion if the film's narrative gains traction?
Further independent analysis of the film's content, once released, will be crucial in evaluating the validity of these claims.
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Sources
The Print: https://theprint.in/india/kerala-story-2-invents-false-stories-to-insult-kerala-k-c-venugopal/2858399/
Summary: Reports on K.C. Venugopal's allegations that 'The Kerala Story 2' fabricates stories to insult Kerala and create global misunderstanding, linking it to the BJP government and hate campaigns.
Devdiscourse: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3810107-controversy-around-kerala-story-2-sparks-political-debate
Summary: Covers the political debate sparked by the controversy around 'The Kerala Story 2', including CM Pinarayi Vijayan's backing of claims that the film aims to tarnish Kerala's secular image.
Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/south-cinema/kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-criticises-the-kerala-story-2-for-spreading-false-propaganda
Summary: Details Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism of 'The Kerala Story 2', calling it an agenda to spread hatred and insult secular traditions, and questioning the screening permission for such films.
India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/kerala-story-2-trailer-controversy-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-secular-harmony-threat-2870779-2026-02-19
Summary: Reports CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statements labeling 'The Kerala Story 2' as propaganda and a danger to the state's secularism and religious harmony.
Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-kerala-story-2-is-a-threat-to-secularism-says-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-vipul-amrutlal-shah-101771466806600.html
Summary: Details CM Pinarayi Vijayan's strong objection to the trailer of 'The Kerala Story 2', calling it "false propaganda" and a "threat to secularism," and referencing the intent of the first installment.
Mid-day: https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/the-kerala-story-2-cm-vijayan-alleges-film-spreads-false-narrative-23617340
Summary: Reports on Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism that 'The Kerala Story 2' spreads false propaganda, attacks Kerala's secular fabric, and promotes hatred.
The Indian Express: https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-story-2-trailer-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-urges-people-to-reject-hate-campaign-says-truth-must-prevail-over-lies-10539800/
Summary: Details CM Pinarayi Vijayan's appeal for people to reject "hate campaigns" related to 'The Kerala Story 2' trailer and uphold truth and secularism.
Mathrubhumi English: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/congress-slams-kerala-story-national-award-ag1nj36u
Summary: Reports on K.C. Venugopal's strong criticism of the national award for 'The Kerala Story', calling its agenda "rotten" and suggesting the film belongs in the "dustbin."
