The teaser of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has sparked widespread discussion and debate across social media and political circles following its release. The film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is positioned as a continuation of the 2023 film The Kerala Story, which itself generated intense public discourse upon release.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the sequel is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026. The teaser has drawn both support and criticism for its subject matter, narrative framing, and claims referenced in its promotional material.
Film Premise and Cast
According to information shared by the makers, the film follows the stories of three Hindu women from different Indian states, portrayed by Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha, and Aditi Bhatia. The characters are shown being approached by men named Salim and Faizan, with the narrative focusing on themes of emotional manipulation, grooming, and religious conversion.
The filmmakers state that the story is inspired by real-life incidents and aims to highlight alleged patterns affecting unmarried Hindu women.
Claims Made in the Teaser
The teaser references large-scale figures related to conversion, suggesting that the film is based on what it describes as extensive targeting. These claims have immediately drawn scrutiny, as critics argue that no publicly verified data supports the scale mentioned in the teaser.
The makers, however, maintain that the film is intended to raise awareness about emotional exploitation rather than target any specific community.
Support and Endorsements
Several commentators and supporters have welcomed the teaser, praising the film for addressing what they view as an under-discussed issue. Political commentator Shefali Vaidya publicly supported the film, stating that it highlights emotional manipulation rather than focusing solely on religious identity.
Supporters argue that cinema has the right to explore difficult social themes and that such narratives should be evaluated in full context once the film is released.
Criticism and Backlash
At the same time, critics have strongly objected to the teaser, accusing it of promoting a divisive narrative. Several film analysts and social commentators have described the teaser as politically motivated and lacking substantiated evidence.
Critics have also warned that such portrayals could contribute to social polarisation if not handled responsibly.
Legacy of the First Film
The original The Kerala Story, released in 2023, was a major box-office success, reportedly grossing over ₹300 crore. Despite its commercial performance, the film remained at the centre of debates related to accuracy, representation, and intent.
Its success ensured continued attention on the franchise, making the sequel one of the most closely watched releases ahead of 2026.
Awaiting Further Clarity
With only a teaser released so far, both supporters and critics acknowledge that the full scope of the film’s narrative will only be clear after its release. Industry observers note that regulatory scrutiny and public debate are likely to intensify as the release date approaches.
Until then, the film remains a focal point of discussion at the intersection of cinema, politics, and social discourse.
