New Delhi: Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah addressed the media soon after a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court cleared The Kerala Story 2 for theatrical release, stating that the film does not malign Kerala or its people but seeks to expose specific criminal activities.
Calling Kerala “a very beautiful place and a wonderful state,” Shah rejected allegations that the film portrays the state negatively.
“If something wrong is happening in God’s Own Country, then it should be brought to people’s notice and corrected. We have not portrayed Kerala or its people negatively. This film exposes some criminals. Criminals can be from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan. That is why the story goes beyond one state,” he said.
“We Are Against Criminals, Not Kerala”
Responding to criticism over the film’s title, Shah said viewers would understand the makers’ intent after watching it.
“When you see the film, you will realise that we are not against Kerala. We are against criminals who are defaming such a great state,” he said, adding that he hopes audiences in Kerala will support the film rather than oppose it.
On the court’s decision to lift the stay, Shah acknowledged that he is not legally well-versed but expressed faith in the judicial process.
“If our film was false, the court would not have cleared it. The order has just come and I will read it in detail,” he said, reiterating his respect for the judiciary.
Certification Process and Cuts
Shah highlighted that the film underwent scrutiny by an expanded censor committee comprising eight members, including social workers and a Delhi-based professor specialising in socio-political subjects.
“There were detailed discussions before certification. Fifteen cuts were suggested and we accepted them because we felt there was merit in the arguments. But the essence, screenplay and narrative of the film remain unchanged,” he explained.
He emphasised that the film’s core message has not been diluted despite the modifications.
Testimonies and Public Records Cited
Referring to events organised by the film’s team, Shah said alleged victims had shared their experiences publicly.
According to him, 26 women had come forward during the first film, and additional testimonies were presented recently in Delhi. He also cited a 2012 statement in the Kerala Assembly by then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy mentioning 7,713 conversions, describing it as a publicly available document that raises serious concerns.
Denies Targeting Any Religion
Addressing allegations that the film singles out a particular community, Shah was categorical in his denial.
“We have not targeted any religion or community. We are only targeting criminals. If a criminal belongs to a certain community, we have to show the reality as it is. That does not mean we are blaming an entire religion,” he said.
Box Office Impact and Overseas Release
The producer admitted that the delay in release until the evening would impact opening-day collections.
“Our first day is cut into less than half. Obviously collections will be affected. But if the film is good and people like it, it will recover over time. Any publicity is good publicity if it leads to awareness,” he said.
Shah also confirmed that the film will not release in certain overseas markets, including the UAE and Malaysia.
Despite the controversies surrounding the project, he expressed confidence that the film would resonate with audiences and potentially earn recognition, even though, he claimed, his productions are often overlooked by mainstream commercial awards