'The Kerala Story 2' producer Vipul Shah reveals replacing Sudipto Sen over his 'absolute trash script': 'He doesn’t know...'

The public falling out between producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah and director Sudipto Sen marks a dramatic shift for the franchise that dominated headlines in 2023 with 'The Kerala Story'. While the first film was a massive commercial success, this sequel, 'The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond,' is being labelled as mounted on "WhatsApp forward" allegations.The ‘Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond’ release has sparked fresh debate on the franchise. Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah strongly refuted criticism from ex-partner and director Sudipto Sen. He also clarified doubts about the film's certification.Sudipto Sen, National Award winner for directing the franchise's first installment, recently attacked the sequel's research quality. He accused it of being built on “WhatsApp forwards.” Sen later insisted his words were taken out of context, but Shah forcefully hit back against the charge. Talking to India Today, Shah said, “I would say grapes are sour. To be very honest, I have never spoken about this, but I would like to put it to rest. He had written a script about The Kerala Story 2, which was absolute trash. And I did not want to make that film, and that is why I went ahead with [The Kerala Story 2 director] Kamakhya [Narayan Singh]. He doesn’t even know what research we have done. He was not part of the entire research process. So, how can he make those comments? I don’t usually comment but when somebody attacks my film, that is when I’m compelled to react. Otherwise, I don’t like to react. The film was released, and I know of these statements that he’s made, they’re baseless. That’s all I can say”.Besides the creative clash, the film has drawn queries on its approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Shah rejected claims that the clearance followed legal issues or was changed due to court cases. "No, the certification of the film was done way before the case was filed, and that is exactly how the film has stayed. Whatever happened in the first court, the second court recognised the right of CBFC and their authority on certifying a film. So that first judgement is now of no consequence in this matter. CBFC’s right and the authority to certify the film is unquestionable," Shah revealed.Even amid debates over its research and legal issues, ‘The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond’ has hit Indian cinemas and raked in over Rs 15 crore in five days.