Director Kamakhya Narayan Singh Responds to ‘The Kerala Story 2’ Backlash

The upcoming film The Kerala Story 2 has ignited significant controversy ahead of its scheduled release on February 27, 2026. The trailer has elicited strong reactions from viewers and critics, reflecting a deeply polarized response to its themes and narrative. The film addresses sensitive topics such as religious conversion and coercion, set against the backdrop of Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

In the wake of the backlash, director Kamakhya Narayan Singh has defended the film, emphasizing his commitment to research and integrity in filmmaking. Singh, a National Award-winning filmmaker, has a history of producing documentaries that tackle social issues. He stated, “I have always made documentaries and films that address social evils and issues within society, films that raise questions and encourage people to reflect on what is happening around them.”

Singh expressed his confidence in the authenticity of the film, asserting, “I have done my work with complete integrity, trust me. If we have shown anything wrong in the film, I will quit filmmaking.” His comments aim to reassure audiences about the film’s intentions and the thoroughness of its research.

Producer Defends the Film’s Message

Producer Vipul Shah has also stepped forward to defend the project, clarifying that the film does not aim to target the state of Kerala. In a prior statement to ANI, Shah remarked, “We’re not after Kerala. Kerala is God’s Country… We want this evil in that state to be eradicated as soon as possible.” He highlighted the film’s focus on addressing an “evil” that he believes requires urgent attention.

The first installment of the franchise faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the controversial statistic of “32,000” individuals mentioned. Shah noted the criticisms and stated that the film’s team has proactively responded by releasing a video on YouTube that outlines the sources of their claims. He mentioned, “We made a video on this figure on YouTube, which is currently available. We’ve added the names and shown the figures.” Shah pointed out that the government likely possesses more accurate statistics but has yet to take any decisive action following the film’s release.

As anticipation builds for The Kerala Story 2, the debates surrounding its themes continue to escalate. As the release date approaches, both Singh and Shah remain steadfast in their belief that the film serves an important role in sparking discussions about societal issues. The film is set to premiere in cinemas on February 27, and with the ongoing discussions, it is clear that its impact, whether positive or negative, will be significant in the public sphere.