'Kerala Story 2' protest sparks debate: IUML calls SFI's beef fest 'provocative'
Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Sunday criticised the recent “beef festival” organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) against the upcoming film 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', describing the protest as “provocative” and politically motivated.
IUML state general secretary P M A Salam alleged that the beef fest, staged by the students’ wing of the ruling CPM, was a “cheap political gimmick” aimed at attracting Muslim voters ahead of key political developments in Kerala.
Responding to media queries, Salam questioned the attempt to link beef consumption with any specific community. “What is the connection between beef and any community? What is the link between beef and Muslims?” he asked.
He pointed out that several major beef exporters and owners of beef processing units in India include individuals associated with various political and social organisations, including the BJP, RSS and members of the Muslim community. Stressing that beef consumption is not tied to any one religious group, Salam accused the CPM of attempting to “mislead and cheat” ordinary Muslim voters through symbolic protests.
Also Read| ‘The Kerala Story 2’ trailer out: Netizens react, ‘Disturbing how easily they fuel division’
The IUML leader also clarified that no one is compelling those who do not consume beef to do so. However, he criticised 'Kerala Story 2' itself, alleging that such films risk deepening communal divisions and turning communities against one another.
Describing the SFI’s beef festival in Thiruvananthapuram as “provocative”, Salam claimed it formed part of a broader political strategy to project support for Muslims while allegedly denying them substantive benefits and indirectly aiding the BJP.
Also Read| ‘Beef without porotta?’ Malayalis troll Kerala Story 2 teaser’s viral scene
“Why should protests like the beef festival be organised? It is, of course, provocative. It is nothing but a cheap political gimmick,” he added.
The controversy comes two days after the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the students’ wing of the IUML, called for a boycott of 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' while also questioning the need for a beef fest protest.
Also Read| The Kerala Story 2 controversy: MSF calls for film boycott, rejects SFI’s beef festival
MSF state general secretary C K Najaf had opposed the SFI-organised event at Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram, stating that it could hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The issue gained prominence following scenes shown in the film’s trailer, including one in which a character is allegedly force-fed beef. The SFI said the beef festival was organised in protest against that depiction.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is scheduled for release on February 27. Its predecessor, 'The Kerala Story', won Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards.
PTI