The cinematic universe that sparked intense national debate is set to expand. The production team behind the controversial 2023 film 'The Kerala Story' has officially announced its sequel, titled 'Beyond The Kerala Story'. The announcement came via a title reveal teaser, which also disclosed the film's theatrical release date.
Teaser Hints at a Deeper, Darker Narrative
The newly released teaser for 'Beyond The Kerala Story' opts for a textual approach over visual glimpses. Displaying captions in green, it presents a defiant message addressing the criticism faced by its predecessor. The text reads: "They said it was just a story. They tried to silence it; they tried to discredit it. But the truth didn't stop. Because some stories don't end. This time it goes deeper. This time, it hurts more." The teaser concludes with the film's title and a powerful background dialogue: "Joh taqat mohabbat mein hain, woh baarud mein kahaan?"
Mark your calendars, as the producers have locked February 27, 2026, as the date when 'Beyond The Kerala Story' will arrive in cinemas nationwide.
New Director, Secretive Shoot in Kerala
This sequel brings a significant change behind the camera. While 'The Kerala Story' was directed by Sudipto Sen, the helm for 'Beyond The Kerala Story' has been passed to Kamakhya Narayan Singh. The star cast remains under wraps for now, adding to the mystery.
Despite the secrecy surrounding the actors, it has been confirmed that the filming has already been completed. The movie was shot on location in Kerala, referred to as God's own country. Reports indicate that producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah enforced extremely tight security protocols during the production to prevent any disruptions or leaks.
In a move highlighting the desired secrecy, the entire cast and crew were reportedly denied access to their personal cell phones on the sets. Industry whispers suggest that the sequel will portray an even more gruesome story compared to the first installment.
Recap of the Original Film's Impact
The first film, 'The Kerala Story', released on May 5, 2023, starred Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. Its plot followed four women from Kerala who are allegedly forced into religious conversion and later recruited by the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS).
The movie became a massive commercial success, raking in over Rs 300 crore at the box office, as per Sacnilk reports. However, it was also mired in controversy, with many critics and political groups labeling it a propaganda film. A fierce media debate ensued regarding the authenticity of its claims, with the makers steadfastly maintaining that the events depicted were based on true stories.
With 'Beyond The Kerala Story', the team seems prepared to reignite the conversation, promising a narrative that delves deeper into the contentious themes that made the original a nationwide talking point.
