Shashi Tharoor Slams The Kerala Story 2 As ‘Hate-Mongering’: Producer Reacts
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the makers of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond, calling the franchise “hate-mongering” and accusing it of promoting divisive narratives without a factual basis.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, Tharoor said the first film exaggerated claims about large-scale religious conversions in Kerala.
He argued that the numbers presented in the original movie were not accurate and that isolated incidents should not be turned into propaganda.
“The first film was hate-mongering and lacked foundation. They were saying thousands were converted, which is not true. If a case occurs here and there, it doesn’t mean you should turn it into a big story,” Tharoor said.
He also questioned the intent behind making such films, asking why cinema should spread narratives that could create hatred.
Drawing a comparison with older Bollywood classics, he mentioned Amar Akbar Anthony, saying films in earlier times promoted communal harmony and unity.
Responding to Tharoor’s remarks, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah defended the sequel. He said it was “extremely sad and ironic” that films are blamed for disturbing social harmony while real-life crimes and investigations do not spark similar outrage.
Shah argued that if alleged crimes are being investigated and prosecuted, portraying such issues in cinema should not be seen as a threat.
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“Actual crimes do not seem to create the same level of concern about disharmony. But when a film depicts these issues, it becomes controversial,” he said.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond is scheduled to release on February 27. The trailer highlights themes of religious conversion with stories set in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
The final countdown begins for every voice that was unheard.#ShowYourDaughters
Ab sahenge nahi… ladenge.
🔗 – https://t.co/yTJY8xk6xy#TheKeralaStory2GoesBeyond trailer out now. Releasing in cinemas on 27th February, 2026 in Hindi, Telugu & Kannada.#VipulAmrutlalShah pic.twitter.com/qgUJ38sHMh
— Sunshine Pictures (@sunshinepicture) February 20, 2026
However, the film is facing legal scrutiny. A petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the trailer and its portrayal of Kerala.
Notices have been issued to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, and the producer. The matter will be heard on February 24.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also criticised the project, calling the first film “hate-mongering” and urging caution over the sequel’s release.
