Vipul Amrutlal Shah has carved a distinct space in Indian cinema with films that combine scale, strong emotions, and socially resonant themes. After taking a bold and fearless step with The Kerala Story, the makers are now set to continue the narrative with The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, under his banner Sunshine Pictures, a film that promises to present another hard-hitting and unsettling truth rooted within society. Helmed by National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the sequel highlights the issue of young girls allegedly being forced to convert their religion. The film draws inspiration from real incidents documented within India’s legal system and presents them through a layered and gripping narrative.
However, the film has recently come under the spotlight after filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticised it, making strong remarks against the project. In response, director Kamakhya Narayan Singh has hit back at Kashyap, as well as Prakash Raj and others who questioned the film and made baseless remarks. He also addressed the criticism in a video statement, defending the intent and subject of the film.
Kamakhya Narayan Singh said, “Anurag Kashyap Ji ne kaha hai ki koi aisa kisiko khichdi bhi nhi khilata, Main ekdum maanta hu, koi kisiko aise laddoo bhi nahi khila sakte Par durbhagyvas, humare samaaj mein humari masoom betiyon ko unka dharam parivartan karneke liye unko beef khilaya ja raha hai, yeh ek crime hai. Problem yeh hai ki Anurag Kashyap Ji mansik roop se durbal ho gaye hain, unko har cheez se dikkat hain, unko Brahmanon se dikkat hai, unko Netflix se dikkat hain, unko film industry se dikkat hai, is aadmi ko har cheez se dikkat hain.”
He further added, “Inhone ek film banayi thi The Girl in Yellow Boots, usme inhone kalpana kia hain ek pita aur putri ke anetik sambandh ko. Ek sabhya samaj mein yeh sochne ke paray hain, par yeh aadmi mansik roop se durbal hogaya hain aur samaaj ne bhi isko seriously lena chod dia hain. Inki saari filme pichle kahi saalon se flop hai. Me param pita parmeshvar se prathna karta hu ki inko sadhbudhi de.”
Sharing the video, he wrote, “Dear Anurag sir, मुद्दा ये नहीं है कि फिल्म में क्या दिखाया गया- खिचड़ी, बीफ या कुछ और। असल सवाल है consent और coercioni
किसी की मर्जी के खिलाफ तो खिचड़ी भी नहीं खिलाई जा सकती, तो अगर कोई फिल्म जबरन बदलाव या दबाव की बात उठाती है, तो उसे नफरत फैलाना कह देना intellectual dishonesty है। आपका तो झूठ भी creative freedom और हमारा सच भी Propaganda! Debate facts और data पर होनी चाहिए- न कि "bullshit", "bootlicker" जैसे labels लगाकर discussion बंद कर देने पर।”
The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in the lead roles. The trailer, which was recently unveiled by the makers, has received a terrific response from the audience. Following the massive impact of The Kerala Story, which shook audiences nationwide with its bold narrative, the sequel promises to push boundaries even further, going beyond comfort, beyond silence, and beyond denial. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, co-produced by Aashin A Shah under the banner Sunshine Pictures. The film is slated to release in cinemas on 27th February, 2026. The film is also set to release in Kannada and Telugu.