The Kerala Story (2023) director Sudipto Sen, in a recent interview, has opened up about why he is not directing the film’s sequel The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the sequel has been directed by Kamakhya Narayan and is scheduled to release on February 27.

In an interview with India Today, Sudipto said that making films on sensitive topics requires extensive research and he cannot rely on “WhatsApp forwards or newspaper reports” to make such movies.

“For the first film, I researched the subject for 10 years. I could stand by every word and visual in that film. If the sequel expands beyond Kerala into other states, I cannot rely on WhatsApp forwards or newspaper reports,” said Sudipto.

“Sensitive subjects require deep research and long-term study. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t feel responsible enough to direct it,” he added.

Since the trailer release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, the film has been mired in controversy. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also publicly criticised the film, calling it "false propaganda" and "poisonous.” The film is slated to release in February 27.