Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has strongly criticized The Kerala Story 2, labeling it as propaganda. While attending the Filmfare South Awards in Kerala, he expressed his views on the film’s trailer, calling it “bulls**t.” Anurag did not mince words when discussing both the movie and his culinary preferences, highlighting his fondness for beef parotta.
During the press interaction, Anurag asserted that beef parotta is the best dish, affirming his enjoyment of beef despite its controversial status in certain regions. He stated, “It’s not a problem. No problem,” when confronted about the societal issues surrounding beef consumption. His criticism of The Kerala Story 2 intensified as he described the trailer as a troubling representation that contributes to societal divisions.
The film’s trailer has sparked considerable backlash, particularly one scene where a protagonist is shown being force-fed beef by her Muslim in-laws. This moment has incensed many viewers online, resulting in widespread discussions and memes. Anurag characterized the film as a greedy attempt to incite hatred and manipulate public perception, stating that the portrayal of food was exaggerated compared to real-life situations.
In response to Anurag’s remarks, director Kamakhya Narayan Singh defended The Kerala Story 2 fiercely. He criticized Anurag’s history of failed projects, claiming that his inability to recognize the film’s validity reflects his own mental weakness. Narayan emphasized the film’s basis in true events and dismissed Anurag’s critique as detrimental and grounded in ignorance.
The director invited Anurag to examine their research materials on the subject matter, suggesting that a lack of understanding of the film’s content led to his negative assessment. He insisted that every scene in The Kerala Story 2 is rooted in actual incidents.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the film continues to grow. A 26-year-old biologist, Sreedev Namboodiri, has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court requesting a halt to the film’s release and the revocation of its censor certificate. In response, the court has mandated that the filmmakers organize a screening of the movie. The anticipated sequel is set to premiere on February 27, adding to the ongoing debate around its themes and representations.