The Kerala Story 2: Amid controversy, Sudipto Sen explains why he didn't direct the sequel; 'Can't rely on WhatsApp forwards'
Sudipto Sen-directed the 2023 film, The Kerala Story won the National Award. But he chose not to direct sequel as he stated that sensitive topics need long-term research.
Last Updated: 03.23 PM, Feb 24, 2026
The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond (2026), directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has triggered widespread controversy. Ahead of its February 27 theatrical release, the trailer showing forced beef consumption for religious conversion has drawn criticism from politicians and critics alike, with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan calling it “propaganda” that damages the state’s secular image. Amid this, The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen opened up about why he did not direct the sequel.
Why did Sudipto Sen not direct The Kerala Story 2?
The 2023 National Award-winning The Kerala Story was directed by Sudipto Sen, but he opted out of directing the sequel, emphasising that sensitive subjects require thorough long-term research. Speaking to India Today, Sen said, "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."
He emphasised that projects dealing with sensitive themes require rigorous groundwork and said that these kinds of issues require in-depth research and long-term study, he said, adding that without that foundation, he wouldn't feel responsible enough to handle them.
Will The Kerala Story 2 get postponed?
The postponement of The Kerala Story 2 has not been reported yet, but The Kerala High Court recently examined a plea against The Kerala Story 2, which claims to show communal strife in the state. The court challenged the makers, asking how such a depiction could be justified given Kerala’s history of harmony.
As per the report on Live Law, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas said, "Kerala lives in total harmony. But you have portrayed that this is happening all over Kerala. There is a wrong indication and can also incite passion."
The judge also remarked that although he typically avoids intervening in films, the movie’s claim of being inspired by true events and its mention of Kerala could lead to communal tension. He asked for a screening to be organised, stating he would watch it on February 25.
Meanwhile, The Kerala Story 2 expands on the story of its predecessor, following the lives of three Hindu women, an aspiring scholar, an athlete, and a dancer, whose bright futures are disrupted after they fall victim to problematic marriages.
The Kerala Story 2 FAQs
Q. When is The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond releasing?
A. The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond will hit theatres on February 27, 2026, as of now.
Q. Who plays the lead role in The Kerala Story 2?
A. The Kerala Story 2 stars Aditi Bhatia, Ulka Gupta, and Aishwarya Ojha in the lead roles.
Q. Where to watch The Kerala Story?
A. The 2023 movie The Kerala Story is streaming on Zee5 via OTTplay Premium.