The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen explains his exit from The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, the follow-up to 2023’s The Kerala Story, is scheduled to release in theatres on February 27. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the sequel has faced criticism since its trailer launch. The earlier film was directed by Sudipto Sen, but he stepped away from the new installment.

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In a recent interaction with India Today, Sen explained why he chose not to helm the sequel.

“I Could Stand by Every Word”

During the interview, Sen stressed that projects dealing with sensitive themes demand rigorous groundwork. He stated that depending on “WhatsApp forwards or newspaper reports” is not sufficient when tackling such subjects.

“For the first film, I researched the subject for 10 years. I could stand by every word and visual in that film. If the sequel expands beyond Kerala into other states, I cannot rely on WhatsApp forwards or newspaper reports,” said Sen. 

He further added, “Sensitive subjects require deep research and long-term study. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t feel responsible enough to direct it.”

Political Pushback and the Makers’ Stand

The controversy around The Keral Story 2 intensified after Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the sequel, calling it “false propaganda” and “poisonous.” His remarks echoed concerns raised by several groups who questioned the film’s narrative.

Despite the backlash, director Singh and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah have defended the project.

Shah, who earlier maintained during the release of the first film that their work was backed by documented accounts and research, has reiterated that the sequel continues in the same spirit.

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Singh, in media interactions, has also dismissed the allegations, asserting that the film presents its perspective based on material the team believes to be credible.

With sharp reactions on both sides, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond heads to theatres amid heated public discussion.