Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday condemned the upcoming release of the sequel to The Kerala Story, calling it a “hate-mongering film” aimed at undermining the state’s secular fabric.

Writing on X, the CM said, “The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film 'The Kerala Story' should be seen with utmost gravity. Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt. It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged. We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror. The truth shall always prevail.”

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Vijayan had earlier expressed concern over the first film, claiming it was made with the “intent to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular tradition.” He questioned how “poisonous works produced to spread division and hatred in society” were allowed to be screened, while a film like Beef was barred from a film festival.

“They are spreading false propaganda by portraying even marriages conducted with mutual consent as examples of communalism and forced religious conversion,” the CM said.

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He added that such forces view Kerala, with no history of communal riots and a tradition of mutual respect among communities, with hostility, terming them “enemies of the state” attempting to destroy the peace and tranquillity of the region.

“We must collectively reject attempts to portray Kerala, a land of religious harmony that stands at the forefront of sustainable development and is a model in maintaining law and order, as a center of terrorism,” Vijayan said.

“It is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that Kerala's secular foundation is not undermined by false propaganda and to reject it by upholding the values of secularism and brotherhood,” he added.

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the teaser of Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond was released recently. The first film had won awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards.