THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The socio-political landscape of Kerala has turned into a culinary and ideological battlefield as left-wing student and youth organizations launch widespread “Beef Festivals” in defiance of the upcoming film, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.
The protests, spearheaded by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI)—the youth wings of the ruling CPI(M)—are a direct response to a controversial sequence in the film’s trailer. The scene allegedly depicts a Hindu woman being force-fed beef by Muslim characters, a portrayal that protesters claim is a malicious attempt to incite communal disharmony and demonize the state’s food culture.
Protests on the Plate
In Thiruvananthapuram and several other districts, activists gathered in public spaces to serve beef and parotta, a staple of Kerala’s secular dining table.
• Symbolic Resistance: Organizers stated the festivals serve as a “reclamation of identity” against what they label as “Sangh Parivar propaganda.”
• Statewide Reach: Beyond the capital, similar demonstrations were reported in Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur, drawing significant crowds despite the simmering tension.
The Legal and Political Crossfire
The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026. However, its path to the big screen is increasingly fraught:
1. High Court Intervention: A writ petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the censor certificate granted by the CBFC. The petitioner, a native of Kannur, argues the film “stigmatizes the regional population” and threatens public order.
2. CM’s Stance: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has once again criticized the franchise, accusing the filmmakers of “inventing false stories” to communalize the state’s peaceful atmosphere.
3. The Filmmakers’ Defense: The production team maintains that the film is based on “harrowing truths” of forced conversions and aims to give a voice to victims who have been silenced.
A State on Edge
This sequel comes three years after the original The Kerala Story sparked a nationwide debate. While the first film centered on ISIS recruitment, the sequel appears to broaden its scope to alleged “Love Jihad” and forced dietary conversions across multiple states, including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
As the February 27 release date approaches, the Kerala police have heightened security across major towns to prevent clashes between rival political groups. Whether the film reaches theaters or is stalled by the High Court remains the most watched development in the state.
