20 Million Views in 24 Hours! The Kerala Story 2 Trailer: More Controversial Than The First Part?

The gates of controversy have swung wide open once again as the trailer for The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond officially hit the internet on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Mumbai. Within just 24 hours, the footage has crossed a staggering 20 million views, but the numbers only tell half the story.

The three-minute clip has effectively split social media into two warring camps, with some calling it a brave piece of cinema and others labeling it as pure propaganda. This time, the narrative moves past the borders of Kerala to include stories from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, focusing on three young Hindu women who allegedly fall into religious traps.

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film is already facing heavy backlash and demands for a ban even before its scheduled release on February 27, 2026.

Why This News Matters To The Industry And The Fan War

This is not just another movie release; it is a cultural earthquake that is shaking the very foundation of the Indian film industry. For Bollywood, it represents a risky but highly profitable genre of social-political thrillers that can either become a massive blockbuster or a legal nightmare.

The first film was a surprise hit that earned over 300 crore rupees, and the trade experts are watching closely to see if lightning can strike twice.

In the world of fan wars, the debate is even more intense because this sequel does not feature the original star, Adah Sharma. Many fans are feeling a sense of betrayal, arguing that the franchise feels incomplete without her.

Meanwhile, supporters of the new cast, featuring Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha, are busy defending the film against accusations of being timed for the upcoming 2026 elections. This creates a high-pressure environment where every like, share, and comment becomes a political statement.

The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond | Official Teaser | Releasing at PVR Inox on 27th February 2026

Is The Audience Seeking Truth Or Entertainment?

My observation is that the mood in the film industry has shifted from making subtle stories to delivering direct, hard-hitting messages that target the pulse of the nation. It feels like we are moving away from the “escapist cinema” era and entering a time where every movie wants to be a “whistleblower.” But is this really about social change, or is it just a clever way to guarantee a viral marketing campaign?

Some might say that the makers are simply using a successful formula to mint money, while others will argue that these stories need to be told regardless of the timing. The big question is: can a movie truly change the mindset of a billion people, or does it just reinforce the walls we have already built around ourselves?

The Evidence: Breaking Down The Trailer Controversy

The footage opens with a stark voiceover claiming that India could become an Islamic state ruled by Sharia law within the next 25 years. This single sentence has triggered a massive legal and ethical debate among viewers.

“They targeted our daughters. They broke their trust. They stole their futures. This time, we do not stay silent,” the makers shared along with the trailer on social media.
The sequel features three interlinked stories set in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala. In one story, a family files a POCSO complaint alleging their 16-year-old daughter was coerced into religious conversion.
The absence of a major star like Adah Sharma might be a strategy to keep the focus on the “message” rather than the actor. However, it also poses a risk as the brand value of the first film was heavily tied to her performance.
The trailer has garnered massive interest on platforms like BookMyShow, with thousands of users clicking the “interested” button within hours.

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Looking Forward To The Box Office Battlefield

As we head toward the release date of February 27, the temperature is only going to rise. We can expect more petitions in court and more heated debates on news channels. The production team, led by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has clarified that security is a top priority on sets due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Ultimately, the audience will decide if this “Goes Beyond” trailer is a masterpiece of storytelling or a calculated move to capture the headlines. Whether you plan to watch it or skip it, you simply cannot ignore it. The battle for the box office has officially moved from the theaters to the smartphone screens of every Indian citizen.

From a purely analytical point of view, this is a brilliant marketing move. The makers know exactly which buttons to push to get the entire country talking.

While the first film faced criticism for its statistics, it was a massive financial success. This sequel seems to be doubling down on that same formula. Whether the film is good or bad is almost secondary to the fact that it has successfully captured the national conversation. It is a win for the producers, but it remains to be seen if it will be a win for cinematic quality.
My Take

Original Source: The trailer and initial social media debate were first reported by major news outlets including The Economic Times and The Times of India on February 17, 2026.

Question For You: Do you think the absence of Adah Sharma will hurt the box office performance of The Kerala Story 2, or is the “brand” of the movie strong enough on its own?