The producers behind the highly divisive 2023 film The Kerala Story officially unveiled the title and theatrical release date of its sequel on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Renamed Beyond The Kerala Story, the project is locked for a nationwide cinema rollout on February 27, 2026, signalling an intent to expand upon the provocative narrative that ignited widespread debates and legal challenges during the original's launch.
Accompanying the announcement, Sunshine Pictures Limited released a dramatic motion poster featuring a caption that directly confronted critics of the first film. The text asserted that despite concerted efforts to suppress and delegitimise the story, the underlying truth remains irrepressible, teasing that the sequel would probe even deeper into the subject while delivering a more emotionally impactful experience.
The film continues under the banner of Sunshine Pictures Limited, with Vipul Amrutlal Shah returning as producer and Aashin A Shah as co-producer. Directorial responsibilities have shifted to Kamakhya Narayan Singh, a recipient of National Award recognition, distinguishing the sequel from the original which was helmed by Sudipto Sen and centred on a controversial depiction of events purportedly occurring in Kerala.
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The inaugural instalment, released amid accusations of propagating a biased agenda and facing prolonged courtroom battles to secure certification, ultimately defied expectations at the box office. Produced on a modest budget of ₹20 crore, it amassed over ₹300 crore in global earnings and claimed two National Film Awards, solidifying its status as a commercial phenomenon despite persistent polarising discourse.
With plot specifics, casting announcements, and further creative details still under wraps, the sequel's reveal indicates sustained commitment to exploring the sensitive socio-political themes that propelled the franchise to both acclaim within certain quarters and vehement opposition from others, setting the stage for renewed public and critical scrutiny upon its arrival.
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