'Go to court, don't threaten people': Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar hits out at CM Vijayan over ‘The Kerala Story 2’
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has strongly criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his opposition to the upcoming sequel *The Kerala Story 2*, accusing him of hypocrisy and attempting to divert attention from governance issues. Chandrasekhar argued that Vijayan's stance on artistic freedom is inconsistent, as the BJP previously remained silent when a movie critical of the party was released. He urged the CM not to use his position to instill fear or threaten filmmakers but instead address any legal concerns through proper channels.
Chandrasekhar emphasized that filmmakers have the right to create content and citizens have the freedom to choose what they watch, calling out Vijayan for acting like a "protector" of communities. He also criticized Vijayan's social media post, where he labeled the film as communal propaganda aimed at spreading discord in Kerala. The CM's comments were seen as an attempt to divert attention from his tenure's shortcomings.
The film, written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, portrays Hindu women being trapped by Muslim men under the guise of love. The trailer for *The Kerala Story 2* has sparked controversy, with critics accusing it of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and communal tensions. Scheduled to release on February 27, the movie's narrative has drawn sharp rebukes from secular groups and activists.
This clash between political figures over a film highlights broader issues of censorship versus free expression in India. The controversy underscores deeper divides over communal harmony and artistic freedom, making it a significant issue for readers interested in India's cultural and political landscape.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026