'Makers are greedy': Anurag Kashyap calls 'Kerala Story 2' 'propaganda'
What's the story
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently lambasted The Kerala Story 2, calling it "bullsh*t propaganda." Speaking to the media in Kochi, he said, "They [the makers] just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money." His comments come amid a controversy over the film's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The movie, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, will release on February 27.
Authenticity concerns
What did Kashyap say?
Kashyap also questioned the authenticity of a scene from the trailer where a character is fed beef in an unusual manner. He said, "Aisa beef kaun khilata hai? Aisa koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai (Who feeds someone beef like this? No one is fed even khichdi in this manner)." The film has been accused of spreading misinformation and inciting communal tensions through its content.
Legal action
Kerala HC issues notice to producers
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has issued a notice to the producers of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond on a writ petition challenging the certification granted by CBFC. The plea raises objections to the teaser and trailer, alleging that they depict women from various states being lured into relationships and coerced into religious conversion.
Title controversy
Petitioners seek the quashing of the certification
The petitioners argue that despite the story allegedly spanning several states, the film's title links incidents of terrorism and forced conversion solely to Kerala. They have sought the quashing of the certification, reconsideration of the title, and suspension of the film's release pending further review. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has also slammed the movie, writing on X, "It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged."
Producer's response
Producer Vipul Shah defends the film's title
Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah recently defended the film's title, saying it goes beyond Kerala to expose a nationwide conspiracy of manipulative conversion. He told ANI, "Because its central theme is the same as Kerala Story 1, we named it Kerala Story 2." He also added that there has been no threat to this film so far because they are "telling the truth."