What is the story of 3 girls trapped between emotional manipulation, love-jihad, know the collection of the film

The Kerala Story 2: The complete story of a controversial film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ became one of the most talked about and controversial films of Bollywood in the beginning of 2026. It is the sequel to the first film ‘The Kerala Story’, released in 2023, which talked about sensitive issues like ‘Love Jihad’ and forced conversion. Now this second film also created a stir even before its release.

The story of the film is mainly based on forced religious conversion, love jihad and such conspiracies, which are said to be spread across India. Like the first part, it also claims to be inspired by ‘true events’, but it goes beyond Kerala and shows incidents from across the country. Therefore its full name has been kept as ‘The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond’.

Who are the producers and team?

The producer of the film is Vipul Amritlal Shah, who was also the producer of the first film. The director is Kamakhya Narayan Singh. The main cast includes names like Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha. The film is made in Hindi and has received UA16+ certificate.

What controversies happened before the release?

The protests started only after the trailer and teaser of the film came out. Many people called it anti-Islam, disturbing communal harmony and spreading false stories. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also called it against the secular tradition of the state. There were talks of protests, hashtag campaigns and even an unofficial ban on social media. The biggest shock came when the Kerala High Court put an interim stay of 15 days on the release of the film on 26 February 2026. The court said that the content of the film can disturb communal harmony and the CBFC (Censor Board) did not check it properly.

The petitioners claimed that it defames Kerala and a particular community. But the producers immediately appealed. The very next day i.e. on 27 February 2026, the Division Bench of the High Court lifted the ban and the film got the green signal for release. Vipul Shah said, ‘We are not against Kerala or any community. We are against criminals and wrongdoings. Kerala is God’s land, we are just showing the truth so that people are aware.

What happened after release?

The film hit the theaters on 27 February 2026. According to Sacnilk, the film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ earned a modest collection of only Rs 75 lakh (net) on its first day (Friday), which was due to the delay in release and limited shows. On the second day (Saturday), it registered a tremendous increase of 520% ​​and the film earned Rs 4.65 crore (net). With this, its total domestic collection reached Rs 5.40 crore. The average occupancy of the film in Hindi theaters on Saturday was 12.20%. The show-wise breakdown was as follows:

• Morning Show: 6.45%
• Afternoon Show: 11.88%
• Evening shows: 11.42%
• Night shows: 19.05% (highest)

In regional performance, Delhi-NCR recorded 806 shows and occupancy at 10.25%, while Mumbai recorded 770 shows with occupancy at 14.75%. While there were protests in Kerala, theaters in some cities like Thrissur and Kozhikode canceled shows or had very few audiences. On the second day, 28th February, the collection increased and the film earned well. These figures are much less as compared to the first part ‘The Kerala Story’ (2023). The original film opened at Rs 8.03 crore on the first day and earned Rs 11 crore on the second day. Despite controversies, widespread criticism and political debate, it did a total business of Rs 302 crore globally.

What are the audience reactions?

After watching the film, people’s opinion is divided. Some viewers found it very impressive. One user wrote that the film shocks the heart and it is like a warning. A female viewer said that it makes people aware and brings out the hidden truth. On the other hand many people disliked it. One user said that the film is very annoying, it has a lot of violence and it seems to be just propaganda. Some called it anti-Islam and said it spreads fear by taking people out of their comfort zone. Overall, people who liked the first part are supporting it. But the opponents are calling it propaganda.

What does the story of the film say?

The story of ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’, like the original film, is based on the issue of love jihad and forced conversion, but this time it is shown beyond Kerala and spread to different states of India. The film tells parallel stories of three young Hindu girls who challenge family traditions and fall into relationships in the name of love. But later they become victims of deception, control, forced conversion and loss of freedom.

Surekha (Ulka Gupta): A progressive, liberal girl from Kochi (Kerala) who is preparing for UPSC. She falls in love with Salim (a married journalist), who shows himself to be generous and promises that he will never force her to change her religion. But later his real face is revealed.

Divya (Aditi Bhatia): A young dancer and social media influencer from Jodhpur (Rajasthan), who wants freedom from the restrictions of her conservative family. Rasheed tempts her to give her the freedom to pursue her passion (dancing and making reels) after marriage, but she cheats.

Neha (Aishwarya Ojha): A talented javelin thrower athlete from Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), who wants to make a big name in sports. Faizan (who hides his real identity) lures her with the promise of excellent coaching and support, but later her life gets ruined (some reviews even involve prostitution).

These three stories take place in different cities, but the theme is the same. Emotional manipulation in the name of love, imposition of strict religious rules after marriage, snatching of freedom and serious consequences. The film shows how these girls gradually get trapped and finally try to expose this racket through legal or other means.

What to say in the end?

‘The Kerala Story 2’ is a film which has been successful in sparking debate. It raises some hidden issues in the society, but the manner is so sharp that it makes many people uncomfortable. Whether you like it or not, this film has become one of the most talked about films of 2026. If you like watching movies on sensitive subjects, then watch this and form your own opinion. But remember, films show one view of truth, the whole truth is always known only through investigation.