‘Beef without porotta?’ Malayalis troll Kerala Story 2 teaser’s viral scene | WATCH
The teaser of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has ignited fresh controversy, with a particular beef-eating scene drawing intense reactions across social media platforms. From YouTube comment threads to Instagram reels, viewers, especially from Kerala, have been actively debating the portrayal and questioning the intent behind the sequence.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the upcoming sequel has once again put Kerala at the centre of a political and cultural storm. While the first film courted nationwide debate, the second installment’s teaser appears to have reopened old wounds, with critics accusing it of reinforcing stereotypes and pushing divisive narratives.
One scene in the teaser, where the lead character is forced to eat beef, has gone viral. Many Malayali viewers responded with sarcasm and cultural references tied to Kerala’s popular food combination- beef and porotta.
Several users commented humorously:
“Porotta illathe enganeya muthe beef kazhika? (Without porotta, how to eat beef dear)”
“In Kerala, most people’s favourite food is porotta and beef.”
“If someone forces me to eat beef, I will ask only one thing, is there coconut pieces in it?”
Some comments questioned the authenticity of the portrayal, joking that beef prices are too high to be “shared forcibly,” while others pointed out how Malayalam cinema has historically romanticised the beef-porotta combination in mainstream storytelling.
Instagram reels comparing the teaser scene with iconic Malayalam movie moments featuring beef and porotta have also gained traction, amplifying the debate further.
Political reactions intensify debate
The controversy has extended beyond social media commentary. Pinarayi Vijayan voiced concerns about the upcoming release, alleging that the first film was created with the “intent to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular tradition.”
He questioned how films he described as divisive were cleared for screening, while other projects faced restrictions. The Chief Minister also accused certain groups of spreading what he termed a false narrative about Kerala, adding that the state’s longstanding communal harmony was being unfairly targeted.
Title and narrative under scrutiny
Much of the criticism revolves around the film’s title itself. Observers argue that the continued emphasis on “Kerala” in the franchise branding has caused confusion and resentment among sections of the public, who feel the state’s identity is being disproportionately linked to controversial themes.
The first installment of The Kerala Story won awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards, yet it also faced widespread protests and legal challenges during its release.