The Kerala Story sequel is NOT based on Hema Committee report; Director Sudipto Sen confirms scripting is underway

Director Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story – starring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani, was one of the highest-grossing films of 2023 that left a lasting impact on all who watched it. Now, the film’s director has opened up about a sequel while refuting media reports about it being based on the recently released Hema Committee report. For the unversed, the report exposed the challenges faced by women working in Malayalam cinema.

The Kerala Story sequel is NOT based on Hema Committee

During a recent interaction with Hindustan Times, director Sudipto Sen confirmed that The Kerala Story sequel is definitely on the cards. However, he added, “I don’t know where this information surfaced from, it is not true. After seeing the reports, Vipul Shah (producer) and I laughed. There will be a sequel to the film and the scripting is underway, but it has nothing to do with the Hema Committee report.”

About the sequel

While the director clarified that The Kerala Story sequel will not be based on the Hema Committee report, a source close to the production revealed a couple of details of what it will entail. The insider said, “The Kerala Story 2 will be based on the radicalisation 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, anti-national and anti-societal movements.”

Talking about who will feature in the sequel, the source shares shared that it will “definitely have a new cast.” The insider added, “The film will go on floors early next year and is expected to release in the second half of 2025.”

The Kerala Story follows the story of a group of women from Kerala who are coerced into converting to Islam and joining the Islamic State. Said to be based on a true story, the film premised on the Hindutva conspiracy theory of ‘love jihad.’ The film has also faced protracted litigation and protests, primarily in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu ahead of its release.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: The Kerala Story actress Adah Sharma talks about choosing diverse roles, says, ‘My thing is just to do different stuff and push my limits’