‘The Kerala Story 2’ Announced Amid Renewed Debate; Filmmakers Present 33 Women Claiming Forced Conversion Experiences
New Delhi: At a press briefing in the national capital on Monday, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah and director Kamakhya Narayan Singh introduced their forthcoming project, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.
The announcement quickly drew attention after 33 women were presented at the event as survivors of alleged forced religious conversions, each recounting personal experiences.
Notably, none of the women who appeared at the press conference was from Kerala or other southern states.
Instead, they hailed from regions including West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Delhi, and the National Capital Region.
Filmmakers Defend Broader Focus
Addressing the gathering, Shah stated that the sequel would expand the scope of the original film, shifting the focus from Kerala-specific incidents to what he described as a nationwide issue.
“I often hear people claim that love jihad and forced conversions are not taking place in India.
That is why we have brought together women from different parts of the country who say they have experienced it,” Shah said.
He further remarked that during the release of the first film, critics had dismissed the accounts of alleged victims.
According to him, even after 26 women from Kerala shared their stories at that time, scepticism persisted.
“People can criticise us — that does not matter. But when these women are called liars, it hurts them deeply.
If someone chooses to ignore what is happening in their own state, that is their decision. Our responsibility is to present what we see as a problem,” Shah added.
Personal Accounts Shared
Each of the 33 women spoke briefly about her experience, describing situations in which they claimed to have been misled, pressured, or coerced into religious conversion and marriage.
Among those present was national-level shooter Tara Shahdeo from Ranchi. Shahdeo recounted that she married a man who initially identified himself as Ranjit Kohil but later revealed his name to be Rakibul Hasan.
She alleged that she was subjected to pressure after the marriage, but managed to leave the relationship and pursue legal recourse.
In October 2023, Hasan and his mother were convicted in connection with the case.
Director Singh said the objective of the new film was to amplify voices that, in his view, have been overlooked.
“There are thousands of girls who feel powerless and abandoned. We want them to know that they are not alone — we stand with them,” Singh said.
Legal Challenge in Kerala High Court
The announcement comes amid fresh legal scrutiny. Last week, the Kerala High Court issued notice to the film’s producers in response to a writ petition contesting its certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
On Tuesday, the court asked the Centre to clarify whether a screening of the film could be arranged before it adjudicates petitions challenging its censor clearance. The pleas allege that the film portrays Kerala in an adverse light.
Sequel to a Controversial Predecessor
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond follows the 2023 release The Kerala Story, which sparked intense political and public debate over its narrative and portrayal of events.
Like its predecessor, the sequel appears poised to reignite discussions around religious conversion, representation, and artistic responsibility.
As the film heads toward release amid legal proceedings and political scrutiny, it is likely to remain at the centre of a wider national conversation.
