In recent discussions surrounding The Kerala Story 2, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has addressed remarks made by filmmaker Sudipto Sen, who described the sequel as being based on ‘WhatsApp forwards’. Shah’s response has sparked considerable dialogue among cinema enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The comments from Sen ignited a fresh wave of debate regarding the film, particularly in light of the shared history between the two figures, as both were previously involved in the original film, The Kerala Story, starring Adah Sharma.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Response
During a recent interview, Shah articulated his views on Sen’s criticism, stating that it does not accurately reflect the complexities involved in the film’s development process. He noted that Sen had previously drafted a script for the sequel, but progress was halted due to concerns about its quality. Shah commented that Sen’s remarks suggested that ‘grapes are sour’, indicating a belief that the criticism stemmed from personal disappointment.
Shah explained that the initial script did not align with the creative vision required for the sequel. Consequently, the project advanced under the direction of Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who ultimately helmed the film. Shah also emphasised that Sen did not participate in the research phase of the new film, rendering his criticisms, in Shah’s view, unwarranted.
Sudipto Sen’s Initial Remarks
In earlier statements, Sudipto Sen elaborated on his reasons for stepping away from directing the sequel. He highlighted that the research for the original film spanned nearly a decade, asserting that the sensitive subject matter necessitated thorough exploration. Sen expressed concern over the sequel’s narrative expansion beyond Kerala, suggesting that such a shift would require extensive groundwork to ensure responsible storytelling.
He also stated that relying on a limited array of reports or ‘WhatsApp forwards’ would be inadequate for addressing the depth of the topic, which influenced his decision to abstain from directing the project.
The Kerala Story 2: Legal and Theatrical Journey
Before its theatrical release, The Kerala Story 2 encountered legal challenges, including a petition submitted to the Kerala High Court seeking the cancellation of its censor certificate. The court initially issued a temporary stay, delaying the film’s release by approximately fifteen days. However, a division bench later lifted this restriction, allowing the film to proceed to cinemas as scheduled.
The film, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, focuses on the narrative of three women who become victims of manipulation following marriages outside their religion. The lead cast features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha. Since its release, the film has garnered mixed reviews from audiences, with box office figures reflecting a domestic collection of around Rs 20.15 crore against a production budget of Rs 30 crore.
Conclusion
The ongoing discourse surrounding The Kerala Story 2 highlights the intricate relationship between research, narrative development, and production in the film industry. As Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Sudipto Sen continue to articulate their differing perspectives, the conversation underscores the importance of responsible practices in storytelling.