Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond arrived in theatres on 28 February with a clear intention — to provoke, confront, and take a firm stand. Starring Ulka Gupta, Aishwarya Ojha, Aditi Bhatia, Sumit Gahlawat, Arjan Singh Aujla, and Yuktam Khosla, the film positions itself as a drama inspired by real incidents.
Unlike conventional social thrillers that leave room for interpretation, this sequel opts for a forceful narrative style. It does not attempt to soften its tone or explore grey areas. Instead, it builds a tightly controlled argument and drives it home with conviction.
A Story Built On Allegations And Fear
The film follows three young women — Surekha (Ulka Gupta), Divya (Aditi Bhatia), and Neha (Aishwarya Ojha). Each comes from a different city and background:
- Surekha from Kochi is portrayed as ambitious yet trusting.
- Divya from Jodhpur is emotionally vulnerable.
- Neha from Gwalior dreams of becoming a top javelin thrower.
Their lives intersect with men who, according to the film’s narrative, conceal their intentions and gradually manipulate them. What begins as relationships evolves into isolation, coercion, and forced religious conversion.
The film depicts escalating emotional trauma — confinement, betrayal, and violence — framing these events as part of a broader pattern extending beyond Kerala into other regions of the country.
Message Over Nuance
Where The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond becomes contentious is in its storytelling approach.
The narrative rarely pauses to explore psychological motivations or layered character development. The antagonists are largely depicted in singular tones, and the women are written primarily as victims rather than complex individuals.
The screenplay prioritizes clarity of message over emotional ambiguity. Every major scene reinforces its thesis, leaving little room for doubt or contradiction.
For viewers aligned with the film’s perspective, this directness may feel bold and urgent. For others, it may appear one-dimensional and reductive.
Performances That Try To Ground The Film
Amid the film’s heightened tone, the performances attempt to add emotional weight.
Ulka Gupta brings intensity and visible anguish to Surekha’s journey. Aishwarya Ojha delivers a comparatively restrained portrayal, especially in moments of internal conflict. Aditi Bhatia conveys vulnerability effectively during the early stages of her character’s arc.
However, the actors operate within a script that often pushes them toward extremes. Their performances show commitment, but the writing limits deeper exploration.
A Film That Refuses Neutrality
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond does not seek middle ground. It is structured as a cinematic statement rather than a layered human drama. The film is unapologetically blunt, shaping its narrative to underline a specific viewpoint.
As a result, audiences are unlikely to remain neutral. It will be seen either as a stark warning or as an overly simplified portrayal of a complex issue.
From a craft perspective, the film’s loud and confrontational style overshadows subtle storytelling. Whether that approach succeeds depends entirely on what viewers expect — balanced discourse or assertive messaging.
Jay-Ho Verdict
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is not designed for comfort or ambiguity. It is designed to provoke.
As cinema, it chooses argument over exploration. As a statement, it leaves no doubt about where it stands.The impact it creates will vary widely — and that division is perhaps exactly what the film anticipates.
