Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has responded sharply to criticism from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap over The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, saying Kashyap has not answered a rebuttal raised by the film’s team.
Vipul Shah reacts to Anurag Kashyap`s comment
The sequel has reignited controversy since its announcement, with Kashyap reportedly calling it “propaganda” and describing it as divisive. Addressing the remarks at a press interaction, Shah said, “When asked whether he believed the film was propaganda, Kashyap had responded, ‘Absolutely.’” He then questioned the credibility of the criticism directed at his project.
Defending his film, Shah stated, “My director had made a valid point about Anurag. Anurag Kashyap has made a film called The Girl in Yellow Boots, where an inappropriate relationship between a father and his daughter was portrayed. So, can his opinions be taken seriously on a topic like this?” He added that the team had expected a response to their counter-argument. “We are hoping he will say something in the next few days,” Shah remarked.
Shah also dismissed claims that The Kerala Story 2 is intended to defame Kerala or portray the state negatively. He maintained that the film focuses on criminal activities and larger issues rather than targeting a particular community. “On Twitter, people from all over India speak in favour of the film, but the opposition is only from Kerala. Their argument is that there are no such stories in Kerala and what we are showing is a lie, whereas the reality is that these are widely discussed issues,” he said.
On the controversy regarding The Kerala Story 2
The filmmaker earlier mentioned, “Neither our film, nor I, nor anyone in my team is against the state of Kerala or the people of Kerala. Kerala is a beautiful place, a God-loving country, but if something wrong is happening in this God-loving country, it is our endeavour to bring it to the notice of the people and correct it.”
The exchange highlights the deep divide within the film fraternity regarding politically and socially sensitive subjects. While supporters argue that the film sheds light on uncomfortable realities, critics believe it amplifies polarising narratives.
With the debate continuing to unfold publicly, Shah’s pointed remarks suggest that the controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 is far from over. As of now, Kashyap has not issued a fresh statement responding to Shah’s latest comments.
