Muted Kerala response for The Kerala Story 2 as controversy returns

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond , released nationwide on February 27, 2026, opened to a muted response across Kerala , marked by slow ticket sales, cancelled screenings, divided public reactions, and renewed political and social controversy, even as its opening-day box-office collection stood at about ₹3.5 crore (India net), indicating a moderate but not strong start.

According to figures on online ticketing platform BookMyShow, occupancy remained low in major centres. At the PVR theatre in Lulu Mall, Thiruvananthapuram, only 68 tickets had been sold by 10 am for the four scheduled shows. In Kochi, Shenoy Theatre owner Suresh said occupancy stood at around 50 per cent, with relatively stronger bookings for evening and night shows. In Kozhikode, Crown Theatre owner Vinod Iyer described bookings as “very poor”, adding that several shows were cancelled due to lack of demand. Theatre owners attributed the slow start to late opening of bookings, lingering legal uncertainty, and audiences waiting for reviews before deciding.

The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has drawn largely negative early reviews . Critics described it as ideologically driven and emotionally charged, questioning its narrative balance. Sharp social media backlash followed, particularly from Kerala-based users. One Reddit user said the film appeared “less like cinema and more like a political campaign”, reflecting growing scepticism and online hostility.

The sequel has revived memories of the intense controversy surrounding the first instalment, The Kerala Story , released in 2023. That film had triggered nationwide debate over its claims about the alleged radicalisation and trafficking of Kerala women, leading to legal challenges, political protests, and bans in some states, even as it recorded strong box-office collections elsewhere.

Political reactions to the sequel have been swift. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the film a “poisonous creation” , while Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi urged filmmakers to promote peace and social harmony through creative works.

The film’s release followed Kerala High Court clearance , after a division bench stayed an earlier order halting its screening. Despite legal approval, opening-day footfalls remained subdued , with trade analysts saying weekend trends and word-of-mouth will shape its commercial fate.