The Kerala Story 2: A Controversial Sequel Sparking Debate
Overview of The Kerala Story 2
Sudipto Sen's film The Kerala Story (2023) has been criticized for its communal narrative, presenting itself as a social drama based on real events. The film portrays Hindu women being seduced by Muslim men, leading to their conversion to Islam and recruitment into the Islamic State. The sequel, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, escalates this narrative, bringing the conflict surrounding Muslims closer to home.
Plot and Themes
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, this sequel targets Muslims, interfaith relationships, and the right to conversion. The screenplay, crafted by Shah and Amarnath Jha, depicts Muslims as part of a supposed 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' mission aimed at manipulating Hindu women into marriage, converting them, and increasing their population.
A cleric in the film claims that the goal is to alter India's demographics within 25 years, envisioning a nation governed by sharia law.
Character Experiences
In Kochi, Surekha (Ulka Gupta) is misled by a self-proclaimed liberal journalist, Salim (Sumit Gahlawat), into a live-in relationship, where he promises not to force her to convert or wear a hijab. However, like all Muslim characters, Salim is portrayed as deceitful, part of a larger scheme to bolster his community's numbers.
Similarly, aspiring dancer Divya (Aditi Bhatia) faces a grim reality in Jodhpur, where her husband Rashid (Yuktam Khosla) alienates her from her family and subjects her to a hostile environment. Her mother-in-law pressures Rashid to ensure she bears multiple children.
Neha (Aishwarya Ojha), a promising javelin thrower in Gwalior, suffers the worst fate. After marrying Faizan (Arjun Aujla), she is sold into prostitution and faces repeated assaults, overseen by an indifferent madam (Alka Amin).
Depiction of Violence and Abuse
All female characters are given Muslim names post-conversion and endure verbal and physical abuse. Surekha is coerced into eating beef by Salim and his accomplices. The film also portrays Muslim women as complicit in the cycle of violence and exploitation.
The parents of these women are depicted as powerless, with the law favoring the right to convert. A lawyer informs Divya's parents that their attempts to unite other Hindus are futile, as they have been divided for centuries.
Cultural Commentary
This 131-minute Hindi film critiques modern Hindus for not instilling strong religious values in their children. While secularism is a clear target, the writers also attempt to flip the narrative from the first film. When Surekha accuses her parents of Islamophobia, they react with shock, being labeled as right-wing extremists.
Scenes in Hindu households are portrayed as bright and joyful, contrasting sharply with the dark and oppressive settings of Muslim neighborhoods.
Concluding Thoughts
A police officer's remark, “Forget conversion, they will forget their real version,” is followed by imagery of a bulldozer approaching the homes of alleged Muslim offenders, accompanied by chants of 'Har Har Mahadev.'
A song by Mannan Shaah, with lyrics by Manoj Muntanshir, calls on historical figures to integrate into the nation, questioning how long the majority will tolerate perceived threats. This rhetorical question is followed by scenes of the accused facing torture in prison.
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond indeed lives up to its title, pushing boundaries further than its predecessor. Released during the holy month of Ramzan after a contentious legal battle, the film boldly presents its agenda: to depict an entire community as villains intent on expanding their influence, inciting suspicion and hostility against them.