The promotional efforts for “The Kerala Story 2” were marked by a press conference in Delhi featuring producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah and director Kamakhya Narayan Singh. The event highlighted the disturbing subject of forced Islamic conversions, with the filmmakers presenting thirty women who claimed to have undergone such experiences.
Notably, none of the women introduced at the conference were from Kerala, leading to questions from the media. The women represented various states, including Bengal, Bihar, and Maharashtra, among others. When asked about the absence of Malayali victims, Vipul explained that they aimed to bring forward those who suffered post-release of the first film, adding that evidence of these narratives could be found on YouTube.
In response to questions regarding the film’s narrative, Narayan claimed it remained consistent with the original while broadening its scope to convey a pan-Indian story. Furthermore, he insisted that the film should not be viewed through a political lens, to which Vipul provocatively invited the media to add their own interpretations.
During the interaction, the filmmakers were confronted about their decision to name the film after Kerala despite its broader thematic focus. Narayan acknowledged the connection, asserting that the film seeks to illustrate that the issues portrayed extend beyond Kerala itself. Their aim was to counter the prevailing notion that only Kerala experiences such dilemmas.
Tensions escalated when a journalist criticized the filmmakers for potentially insulting Kerala, citing the state’s achievements in education. Vipul contended that ignoring problematic issues undermines the state’s integrity and responsibility. This assertion redirected the conversation towards accountability for acknowledging societal concerns rather than relegating them to mere entertainment.
The conference also saw the filmmakers sidestep inquiries regarding critiques from notable figures like Anurag Kashyap. Vipul raised questions of the critics’ sensitivity towards the victims, stressing that challenges need to be addressed seriously.
Amidst these discussions, a heated debate arose regarding the term “love jihad,” which the filmmakers argued is legally recognized. However, the media pushed back, referring to the Centre’s statement from 2020, which stated the term lacks a legal definition, a point later reiterated by the Kerala High Court.
“The Kerala Story 2” is set to hit theaters on February 27, with its promotional campaign igniting strong discourse and controversies surrounding its subject matter.