Producer Vipul Shah breaks silence on backlash over ‘The Kerala Story 2’: 'Bahut dukh hota hai'

Even before its scheduled release on February 27, ‘The Kerala Story 2’ has found itself at the center of controversy. The film’s trailer sparked debate across social media, with several voices branding it “propaganda.” Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap was among the harshest critics, dismissing it as a “bakwas picture.” Reacting to the backlash, producer Vipul Shah has now defended the project, rejecting claims that the story is “jhoothi.”

Vipul Shah reacts to growing controversy around 'The Kerala Story 2'

As reported in New18, Vipul talked to the media at an event and said, “Humne koi sacha kahe ya jhootha kahe, usse humein koi farq nahi padta. Lekin jinhone in situations ko bhugta hai, jinki zindagiyan barbaad hui hain, ya jinke family members ki zindagiyan barbaad hui hain, unki zindagiyon mein bahut bada asar padta hai jab is narrative ko jhootha kaha jata hai. (Whether someone calls us honest or a liar, it doesn’t matter to us. But for those who have lived through these situations, whose lives have been destroyed, or whose family members’ lives have been ruined, it makes a huge difference when this narrative is dismissed as false.)"

Vipul Shah recalls backlash to the first film

Reflecting on the backlash following the release of ‘The Kerala Story’, he recalled how, despite the team organizing an event with 26 victims to share their experiences, many still refuse to accept the reality behind the story. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “Humein hairani yeh hoti hai ki jab hum aisi film banate hain, aisa vishay rakhte hain. Aur aisi kahaniyan sunne ke baad bhi ek lobby un criminals ke saath khadi nazar aati hai. Bahut dukh hota hai, kyunki sawaal sirf ek film ka nahi hai, sawaal humare samaaj ka hai, humare desh ka hai, aur humare desh ki betiyon ka hai. (What shocks us is that when we make such a film or choose such a subject, yet even after hearing these stories, a certain lobby still seems to stand with those criminals. It is very sad because the issue is not just about a film, it is about our society, our country, and the daughters of our nation.)"

Vipul Shah faces legal challenges over ‘The Kerala Story 2’

‘The Kerala Story 2’ has started facing legal issues along with the ongoing controversy. The Kerala High Court recently sent a notice to the producers after a petition questioned how the Central Board of Film Certification cleared the movie. The petition mainly objects to the teaser and trailer. The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha, and is set to release on February 27.

Anurag Kashyap on the work front

Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap's recent release was the neo-noir film, ‘Kennedy’, featuring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in lead roles. The film is now streaming on ZEE5.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”