'Kerala Story 2' not based on Hema report: Sudipto Sen
Director Sudipto Sen has refuted recent media claims that the sequel to his 2023 film, The Kerala Story, will be based on the Hema Committee report. This report delves into the exploitation and harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. In an interview with HT, he clarified, "I don't know where this information surfaced from, it is not true." "After seeing the reports, Vipul (Amrutlal Shah; producer) and I laughed," he told Hindustan Times.
'The Kerala Story 2' to focus on 'societal radicalization'
While Sen confirmed that a sequel is in development, he emphasized that it will not be linked to the Hema Committee report. Meanwhile, an insider revealed, "The Kerala Story 2 will be based on the radicalization of the Kerala society, particularly north Kerala, and the spreading of Islamic fundamentalism in the state." "It will have nothing to do with Indian politics or religion. It will offer a perspective on how the state has become a hotbed of ISIS recruitment."
New cast and filming schedule for 'The Kerala Story 2'
Sources close to the production have also disclosed that The Kerala Story 2 will feature a new cast. Filming is set to commence early next year, with a release anticipated in the second half of 2025. The 2023 film features Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. Its storyline centers on a group of women from Kerala who are pressured into converting to Islam and joining the Islamic State. It became the ninth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023.
Hema Committee report's impact on Malayalam film industry
Meanwhile, for those unaware, the Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government in 2017 and submitted its report to the state government in 2019. Following its release on August 19, several former female actors came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against prominent industry figures. Based on these complaints, the Kerala Police have registered FIRs against 11 individuals, including 10 from the film industry.
