The release of The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond reignited debate around the franchise, and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has now responded sharply to criticism from former collaborator and filmmaker Sudipto Sen and addressed questions around the film’s certification.
Sen, who won a National Award for directing the first film of the franchise, recently criticised the sequel’s research, alleging that the film was “based on WhatsApp Forwards.” While Sen later said his remark had been misconstrued, Shah strongly pushed back against the claim.
“I would say grapes are sour. To be very honest, I have never spoken about this, but I would like to put it to rest. He had written a script about The Kerala Story 2, which was absolute trash. And I did not want to make that film, and that is why I went ahead with [The Kerala Story 2 director] Kamakhya [Narayan Singh],” Shah said in an exclusive interview with India Today.
The producer insisted that Sen’s criticism was unfounded, noting that the latter was not involved in the research process for the sequel.
“He doesn’t even know what research we have done. He was not part of the entire research process. So, how can he make those comments? I don’t usually comment but when somebody attacks my film, that is when I’m compelled to react. Otherwise, I don’t like to react. The film was released, and I know of these statements that he’s made, they’re baseless. That’s all I can say,” he added.
CBFC certification debate
Apart from the creative dispute, the film has also faced questions regarding how it secured clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Shah dismissed suggestions that the certification came after legal complications or was altered due to court proceedings.
“No, the certification of the film was done way before the case was filed, and that is exactly how the film has stayed. Whatever happened in the first court, the second court recognised the right of CBFC and their authority on certifying a film. So that first judgement is now of no consequence in this matter. CBFC’s right and the authority to certify the film is unquestionable,” he said.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding its research and legal scrutiny, The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond has arrived in Indian theatres, and earned over Rs 15 crore in 5 days.
