The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond REVIEW: Vipul Amrutlal Shah Presents A Thought-Provoking Sequel On The Horrors Of Love Jihad, Extremism

Film:
The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond

Disclaimer: Mention of r*pe, s*xual assault, violence, forceful behaviour, s*x and pregnancy.

Director: Kamakhya Narayan Singh

Writer: Amarnath Jha, Vipul Amrutlal Shah

Cast: Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, Aishwarya Ojha, Yuktam Khosla, Arjun Aujla, Alka Amin, Sumit Gahlawat

Platform: Theatres

Runtime: 131 mins (2 hours 11 mins)

The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond REVIEW

The film opens with a series of harrowing scenes—police cars rushing through Kochi, a girl hanging herself. These grim images immediately set a tone of urgency and horror, hinting at the dark realities the story aims to expose. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to three young girls from different parts of India—each with dreams and aspirations but ultimately falling prey to manipulative forces that lure them into a web of deception and violence.

As shown in the trailer of the film, Divya, a spirited dance enthusiast from Rajasthan, Neha, a talented javelin thrower from Madhya Pradesh, and Surekha, an ambitious UPSC aspirant from Kerala, each embark on journeys that seem promising but quickly spiral into nightmare scenarios. Through their stories, the film delves into themes of love, betrayal, and religious extremism, revealing how vulnerable youth can be trapped by cunning predators under the guise of love and progress.

Scroll below to read more about the film and whether it’s worth a watch in theatres.

What Works

The film excels in creating a visceral, frightening atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact. The scenes depicting violence, forced feeding, and the brutal realities faced by the characters are disturbingly realistic and evoke strong emotional responses. The background music and sound design are particularly effective, heightening tension and keeping viewers engaged throughout.

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Several dialogues pack a punch, prompting viewers to question their perceptions of religion, culture, and politics. The setting contrasts—bright, loving Hindu households versus dark, grim Muslim ghettos—effectively reflect the thematic dichotomy. The supporting cast, especially the actors portraying the parents, deliver convincing performances. The film also thoughtfully highlights systemic failures by police and prosecutors, emphasising victims’ helplessness.

What Doesn’t Work

The film falters significantly due to some glaring issues. The accents by all the female leads are poorly executed, making them sound unconvincing and distracting. Surekha’s character is frustratingly passive; she repeatedly gets chances to escape but makes illogical choices, rendering her plotline contrived and unintelligent. The twists, such as Neha discovering Raju’s real identity as Mohammad Faizan, are neither fresh nor surprising, rendering the storyline dull and predictable.

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The screenplay’s structure, especially Surekha’s storyline, feels rushed and underdeveloped. Despite the film’s intense content, some scenes—like the violence, r*pe, s*xual assault, violence, forceful behaviour, s*x and pregnancy. —may make viewers uncomfortable, raising questions about their necessity and portrayal.

Technical Analysis

The cinematography captures the emotional tone well, especially in the second half, where the mood intensifies. The editing is brisk but sometimes abrupt, especially with the early scenes that spoil the climax. The sound design and background score are well-crafted, enhancing the horror and emotional depth of key sequences.

Direction

Director Kamakhya Narayan Singh attempts to craft a gripping and horrific narrative of Islamic terrorism and love jihad. While he succeeds in creating an immersive and disturbing experience, certain narrative choices—like the predictable twists and the underdeveloped plotlines—detract from the overall impact. The film’s pacing is uneven, and some scenes feel forced or contrived, notably Surekha’s passive role. Nonetheless, Singh delivers a raw, impactful telling of a sensitive subject, turning a clichéd plot into a thought-provoking, albeit predictable, film.

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Writing & Screenplay

The screenplay attempts to weave three separate stories into one cohesive narrative, but it often falls into clichés. Surekha’s storyline is particularly weak, with her missing opportunities to escape, making her decisions seem unrealistic. The film’s narrative structure—opening with scenes from the climax—spoils suspense but aims to set a tone of inevitability. The dialogues are impactful, with some lines questioning societal beliefs and political narratives, resonating with viewers seeking social commentary. Despite its predictability, the screenplay retains a gripping tone, emphasising the horror of being trapped and betrayed.

Music

The background score is immersive, especially in the second half, successfully heightening emotions and tension. However, the songs, while decent, do not reach the memorable heights of the earlier film’s Na Zameen Mili Na Falak Mila. The music complements the scenes well, but lacks the impact of a truly iconic track.

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Star Performances

Every actor gives their best effort. Ulka Gupta as Surekha shines with her photogenic face and expressive acting, portraying her character’s inner turmoil convincingly. Aditi Bhatia impresses with her versatility, convincingly portraying Divya’s transformation from a carefree teen to a victim of grooming. Aishwarya Ojha’s portrayal of Neha’s suffering is impactful and heartfelt.

Sumit Gahlawat as Saleem convincingly exudes cruelty, while Arjan Singh Ahuja’s dual role as Raju/Faizan adds depth. Yuktam Khosla’s menacing Rashid is chilling from start to finish. The supporting cast, especially the parents, deliver authentic performances, with the Kerala parents’ climax scene being particularly convincing.

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Conclusion

To conclude the review, The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond is a disturbing, eye-opening film that sheds light on the brutal realities of love jihad and religious extremism. Despite its predictability and some poorly executed accents, it succeeds in evoking strong emotional reactions and raising awareness. The film’s raw portrayal of violence, forced conversions, and betrayal serves as a wake-up call. While it isn’t a perfect film, its clichés, pacing issues, and uncomfortable scenes detract slightly; it remains a powerful attempt to spark dialogue on a sensitive issue. The performances and emotional intensity make it a notable social commentary. Overall, it’s a hard-hitting, thought-provoking watch that stays with you long after the credits roll.

We hope our review of The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond will help you decide to watch it.

Watch The Trailer Of The Kerala Story 2- Goes Beyond

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Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.